`` 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 , if he IS so unfortunate as to have an unprincipled brother . You , Mrs. Pye , know it better than any one , yet you come here and run him down the minute he 's in trouble . If there 's another word said here against Lige Baxter I 'll leave the room and the house till you 're gone , every one of you . '' She flashed a glance around the quilt that cowed the gossips . Even Mrs. George Pye 's eyes flickered and waned and quailed . Nothing more was said until Sara had picked up her glasses and marched from the room . Even then they dared not speak above a whisper . Mrs. Pye , alone , smarting from snub , ventured to ejaculate , `` Pity save us ! '' as Sara slammed the door .
For the next fortnight gossip and rumor held high carnival in Avonlea and Newbridge , and Mrs. Eben grew to dread the sight XXXXX a visitor .
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