human
Father, --her breath came in short gasps,--
gpt
But, Beth, I cannot do that. My business honor is at stake, and I must permit the law to take its course.
human
You may be right about the legal part. But how about the moral side? Is there not something at stake there, too?
gpt
It does seem a moral injustice, but I cannot help that. It is hard, for Josiah will see only the moral side of it, and the people of the village will think it unjust. Josiah may find out the facts, that is, enough of them to prove to his mind that I can't foreclose on his property because of the little loan. What more he may discover, I cannot even guess. It will depend somewhat on the lawyer who advises him. But no matter what he discovers, my conscience will be clear in that I did not break faith with his renegade brother.
human
What right have you to keep faith with him?
gpt
My little Beth, please do not question my action, he entreated.
human
It will all be clear to you some day. I'm willing to wait for my vindication, but I must know that my little girl trusts her daddy to do what is right. If you don't, it will kill me!
gpt
After all, Father, I am only a girl, and know very little of law and business. Forgive me if I have hurt you. I don't see why you feel as you do about carrying this thing through at so great a sacrifice of lifelong friendships. But I believe that you must be doing the best you can as you see your duty.
human
I can hope for no more than that, my dear.
gpt
Father!
human
Yes?
gpt
I tell you what I'm going to do! she cried.
human
I'm going to Uncle Josiah just as soon as he gets back, and tell him as much as I think he ought to know. May I?
gpt
Certainly, if you wish. I'll trust to your discretion. He will listen to you. I think you know what must not be said, from our conversation this evening.
human
I'll do it! she exclaimed eagerly, and stooped above the chair to kiss her father's forehead.
gpt
Now, you go right to bed. That is my first remedy. My second is like unto it: don't do one single bit of worrying. Remember! Good night.
human
Beth, this may affect the minister.
gpt
Affect the minister? Affect Mr. McGowan? How can it do that?
human
He has doubtless urged Josiah to take this rash step to consult a lawyer, and when all the facts come out he may be forced to leave Little River. As you know, his popularity is quite dubious as matters stand at present.
gpt
But I hardly see----
human
We'll say nothing more about that. Good night, my dear.