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 Lynde 's chair , resting her shapely hands on that lady 's broad shoulders . Her face was very pale , but her flashing eyes sought and faced defiantly Mrs. George Pye 's cat-like orbs . Her voice quivered with passion and contempt . `` You 'll all have a fling at Lige Baxter , now that he 's down . You could n't say enough in his praise , once . I 'll not stand by and hear it hinted that Lige Baxter is a swindler .
You all know perfectly well that Lige is as honest as the day , XXXXX he IS so unfortunate as to have an unprincipled brother .
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