There was silence again between them for a season. The dim and homely room seemed full of a quiet dignity, a pervading restfulness that was clean and good. The most prosaic people grow great and lovable when their hearts are moved to succor others. The words of a beggar may strike the noblest chords of time, and live with the utterances of martyrs and of prophets.
“Porteus.”
Brother and sister looked at each other.
“I might speak to them.”
“Perhaps, dear, better than any one.”
“And if they need money? Mrs. Pentherby’s property cannot come to them at once. The law—”
Porteus’s face twinkled benignantly.
“The law, like a mule, is abominably slow. If I can be of any use to them—remind Kate that I am still alive.”
Miss Carmagee regarded her brother affectionately across the table.
“Then I shall go to-morrow,” she said, with a quiet sigh.