"That is not reason enough for so reasonable a person as you
are, Ellen; you must try again, or give up your preference."
"I like Bruce very much indeed," said Ellen musingly; "but he
did what he did for _himself_ — Washington didn't."
"Humph! I am not quite sure as to either of your positions,"
said Mr. Lindsay.
"And besides," said Ellen, "Bruce did one or two wrong things.
Washington always did right."
"He did? eh? What do you think of the murder of Andr??"
"I think it was right," said Ellen, firmly.
"Your reasons, my little reasoner?"
"If it had not been right, Washington would not have done it."
"Ha!, ha! So at that rate you may reconcile yourself to
anything that chances to be done by a favourite."
"No, Sir," said Ellen, a little confused, but standing her
ground; "but when a person _always_ does right, if he happen to
do something that I don't know enough to understand, I have
good reason to think it is right, even though I cannot
understand it."
"Very well: but apply the same rule of judgement to the Bruce,
can't you?"
"Nothing could make me think the murder of the Red Comyn
right, Sir. Bruce didn't think so himself."
"But remember there is a great difference in the times; those
were rude and uncivilized compared to these; you must make
allowance for that."
"Yes, Sir, I do; but I like the civilized times best.
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