"Well, what is the matter with Nelson?" said Mr. Lindsay, with an expression of intense amusement; "I 'used to think,' as you would say, that he was a very noble fellow."
"So he was, Sir; but he wasn't a good man."
"Why not?"
"Why, you know, Sir, he left his wife; and Lady Hamilton persuaded him to do one or two other very dishonourable things; it was a great pity!"
"So you will not like any great man that is not good as well.
What is your definition of a good man, Ellen?"
"One who always does right because it is right, no matter whether it is convenient or not," said Ellen, after a little hesitation.
"Upon my word, you draw the line close. But opinions differ as to what is right; how shall we know?"
"From the Bible, Sir," said Ellen, quickly, with a look that half-amused and half-abashed him.
"And you, Ellen are you yourself good after this nice fashion?"
"No, Sir; but I wish to be."