Charlie whipped the flies from his horse, without answering this remark.
"I hope William will come home to-night. He and Mr. Stanley have gone off together, to get possession of some very important papers; they received a letter offering these papers, only the night before last, and William says they will establish Mr. Stanley's claim, beyond the possibility of a denial. Mr. Wyllys and Mr. Hazlehurst will feel very badly, I should think, when they find that after all, they have been keeping their friend's son from his rights."
"They believe they are doing their duty," said Charlie, laconically.
"It seems a strange view of duty, to act as they do."
"Strange views of duty are very common," said Charlie, glad to take refuge in generalities.
"Common sense and common honesty will help us all to do our duty," observed Kate.
"No doubt; but both are more uncommon qualities than one would think, among rational beings," said Charlie.
"Well, you know, Charles, Patsey used to tell us when we were children, that a plain, honest heart, and plain, good sense were the best things in the world."
"That is the reason, I suppose, why we love our sister Patsey so much, because she has so much of those best things in the world," said Charlie, warmly. "I never saw a woman like her, for downright, plain goodness. The older I grow, the better I know her; and I love you, Kate, for the same reason—you are straightforward and honest, too," he added, smiling.
"William often laughs at me, though, and says my opinion is not good for much," said the sister, shaking her head, but smiling prettily at the same time.