She also became suddenly conscious of the two girls who had come to the spring with her.

They had been forgotten in the surprise over Peter, but now Miss De Voe wondered if they had heard his reply, and if they had enough Bible lore to enable them to understand the reproof.
"I am sure you don't mean that," she said, in the sting of the moment.
"I am very sorry," said Peter, "if I made an unkind speech.

What I meant was that no one has a right to pick out the best for himself.

I am sure, from your letter to me, that you think a man should help those not as well off as himself." "Oh, but that is very different.

Of course we should be charitable to those who need our help, but we need not mix in their low politics." "If good laws, and good administration can give the poor good food, and good lodgings, don't you think the best charity is to 'mix' in politics, and try to obtain such results ?" "I want you to know my two cousins," Miss De Voe replied.