Newbury gave a gasp, and Henry Lawford, with a certain stern dignity
that he knew how to assume, said----

"A mistake? How so, pray?"

"In doing what he did--sacrificing his life to save the child."

"Why, Mr. Gorham!" exclaimed the hostess, while everybody turned
toward him. He was a young man between thirty and thirty-five, a
lawyer beginning to be well thought of in his profession, with a
thoughtful, pleasant expression and a vigorous physique.

"It seems to me," he continued, slowly, seeking his words, "if John
Baker had stopped to think, he would have acted differently. To be
sure, he saved the life of an innocent child; but, on the other hand,
he robbed of their sole means of support seven other no less innocent
children and their mother. He was a brave man, I agree; but I, for
one, should have admired him more if he had stopped to think."

"And let the child be killed?" exclaimed Mr. Carter, the gentleman who
had deplored so earnestly the decay of ideal considerations. He was a
young mill-treasurer, with aristocratic tendencies, and a strong
interest in church affairs.

"Yes, if need be. It was in danger through no fault of his. Its
natural guardians had neglected it."

"What a frightful view to take!" murmured Mrs. Green; and, although
she was very well acquainted with George Gorham's physiognomy, she
examined him disapprovingly through her glass, as if there must be