alluded to the horrors of war--a subject which then came so bitterly
home to every heart in Britain--many women melted into sobs and
tears. At last, when the orator himself, moved by the pictures he
had conjured up, paused suddenly, quite exhausted, and asked for a
slight contribution "to help a deed of charity," there was a general
rush towards him.

"No--no, my good people," said Mr. Charles, recovering his natural
manner, though a little clouded, I thought, by a faint shade of
remorse; "no, I will not take from any one more than a penny; and
then only if they are quite sure they can spare it. Thank you, my
worthy man. Thanks, my bonny young lass--I hope your sweetheart will
soon be back from the wars. Thank you all, my 'very worthy and
approved good masters,' and a fair harvest to you!"

He bowed them away, in a dignified and graceful manner, still
standing on the hay-cart. The honest folk trooped off, having no
more time to waste, and left the field in possession of Mr. Charles,
his co-mate, and ourselves; whom I do not think he had as yet
noticed.

He descended from the cart. His companion burst into roars of
laughter; but Charles looked grave.

"Poor, honest souls!" said he, wiping his brows--I am not sure that
it was only his brows--"Hang me if I'll be at this trick again,
Yates."

"It was a trick then, sir," said John, advancing. "I am sorry for
it."