That night the housekeeper burned all the books there were in the stable yard and in all the house; and there must have been some that went up in smoke which should have been preserved in everlasting archives, if the one who did the scrutinizing had not been so indolent. Thus we see the truth of the old saying, to the effect that the innocent must sometimes pay for the sins of the guilty.
In the narrative, the housekeeper's decision to burn all the books in the stable yard and house symbolizes the destruction of knowledge and culture. There were undoubtedly valuable texts among those burned, representing a loss that could have been avoided had the one responsible for reviewing them not been lazy. This act of negligence highlights the carelessness that can lead to irreversible consequences, illustrating how the indifferent actions of one person can have far-reaching effects.
The quote reflects a broader moral lesson about justice, suggesting that the innocent sometimes suffer due to the failings of others. It speaks to the fragility of wisdom and memory, hinting at the idea that cherished knowledge can be lost through negligence, thus reinforcing the notion that the sins of individuals can unjustly impact those who are blameless. The events serve as a reminder of the importance of diligence and responsibility in preserving history and culture.
