temperance meetin' where they was
as drunk as dooks; but I never yet see a missionary as could laugh and
enjoy 'isself as Mr. Winch can."

There were looks of consternation on the faces of some of the guests
which Mr. Winch's hearty laugh quickly caused to vanish.

"I almost wish I was one of them funny beggars wot wear only a smile o'
week-days, an' add a bead for Sundays."

Mr. Hearty coughed and Mr. Sopley gazed up at the ceiling. Mrs. Bindle
had shown no sign of lips since Bindle had risen.

"I never liked missionaries till to-night, though me an' Mrs. Bindle
'ave slep' in a missionary's bed for five year or more. It never made
no difference to me, though. If I wasn't in the furniture movin'
business I think I'd be a missionary.

"But I'm up on my 'ind legs to propose the 'ealth of 'Earty, Alfred
'Earty, who's a credit to the vegetables 'e sells for more'n they're
worth. 'E's a bit solemn-like at times, but 'e's got as good a 'eart
as 'is own cabbages. I known 'Earty since 'e was a young man, and me
an' 'im was arter the same gal once. She's sittin' over there."
Bindle indicated Mrs. Bindle with a jerk of his thumb. Mrs. Bindle and
Mr. Hearty grew very red, and Mrs. Hearty wheezed painfully. "I won,
though; 'Earty warn't nippy enough. 'E could sing 'ymns an' I
couldn't; but yer don't get round gals with 'ymns, leastways not young
gals. So 'Earty lost one gal an' got another, one of the best."
Bindle pointed to Mrs. Hearty.

"We've all 'ad a pleasant evenin', thanks to Mr. Winch an 'Earty's
lemonade; an' if some of us gets a jar by goin' to the wrong place when
we turns up our toes, I don't mind bettin' a quid it won't be Mr.
Winch. 'E may be a missionary, but 'e's one o' the bhoys."

With that Bindle sat down. For a moment there was a hush of
consternation, but Mr. Winch came to the rescue with a "Thank you, Mr.
Bindle, I hope you're right."

After that everyone applauded and "Auld Lang Syne" was sung and the
company dispersed, conscious that they had enjoyed themselves as they
had never thought it possible. They were aware of a feeling that
seemed to be perilously near the mammon of unrighteousness; but they
argued that no blame could attach itself to the flock for doing what
the shepherd acquiesced in.

Mr. Hearty was astonished at the cordiality of the good-nights extended
to Bindle; but when Mr. Sopley said that he hoped to see him at the
Chapel Bazaar to be held a fortnight hence, he wa