“Why wrong?”
“Because it would be disposing of his property as he would not have wished it to be disposed of.”
“Ah, Mr. Alden, suppose you were his next of kin, would you not see this matter differently?”
“Well—possibly our own interests are very apt to blind us to the rights of others.”
Floy smiled faintly, thinking how nearly akin to a man’s own interest was that of his son.
“Yes,” she said, “that is human nature; we are naturally selfish, I as well as others; so much so that if I knew the property was lawfully mine I should never think of giving it away.”
“Then don’t.”
“Ah, it is not mine to give or to keep, but must go to the rightful heirs.”
Mr. Alden bit his lips with vexation, rose and paced the room for some moments; then, having recovered control of himself, came and sat down by Floy.
“I know you want to do right,” he said pleasantly, “and I have only to convince you that the course I wish you to take is right to induce you to take it.”