George saw Lige at the Bridge , and he said he looked dreadful cut up and ashamed . '' `` Who , or what 's to blame for the failure ? '' asked Mrs. Rachel Lynde sharply . She did not like Mrs. George Pye . `` There are a dozen different stories on the go , '' was the reply . `` As far as George could make out , Peter Baxter has been speculating with other folks ' money , and this is the result . Everybody always suspected that Peter was crooked ; but you 'd have thought that Lige would have kept him straight . HE had always such a reputation for saintliness . '' `` I do n't suppose Lige knew anything about it , '' said Mrs. Rachel indignantly . `` Well , he 'd ought to , then . If he is n't a knave he 's a fool , '' said Mrs. Harmon Andrews , who had formerly been among his warmest partisans . `` He should have kept watch on Peter and found out how the business was being run . Well , Sara , you were the level-headest of us all -- I 'll admit that now . A nice mess it would be if you were married or engaged to Lige , and him left without a cent -- even if he can clear his character ! '' `` There is a good deal of talk about Peter , and swindling , and a lawsuit , '' said Mrs. George Pye , quilting industriously . `` Most of the Newbridge folks think it 's all Peter 's fault , and that Lige is n't to blame . But you ca n't tell . I dare say Lige is as deep in the mire as Peter . He was always a little too good to be wholesome , I thought . '' There was a clink of glass at the cupboard , as Sara set the tray down .
She came forward and stood behind Mrs. Rachel XXXXX 's chair , resting her shapely hands on that lady 's broad shoulders .
Andrews Baxter George Lynde Newbridge Peter Rachel clink knave left