The
greatest good of the greatest number,--that's my rule of action. There
are plenty of good institutions for the distressed, and I'm willing
to help support 'em, and do. But as for making a martyr of one's self,
or tilting against the necessary evils of society, or turning
philanthropist at large, or any quixotism of that sort, I don't believe
in it. We didn't make the world, and we can't mend it. Poor George.
Well--he's at rest. The world wasn't the place for him."
They grew silent. The spectre glided slowly to the wall, and stood as
if it were thinking what, with Dr. Renton's rule of action, was to
become of the greatest good of the smallest number. Nathalie sat on
her father's knee, thinking only of George Feval, and of his having
been starved and grieved to death.
"Father," said Nathalie, softly, "I felt, while you were reading the
letter, as if he were near us. Didn't you? The room was so light and
still, and the wind sighed so."
"Netty, dear, I've felt that all day, I believe," he replied.
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