as well as the gleaning, were done with so much
merriment that it was like a pic-nic out of doors. Good bread and
cheese, and brown ale, would be served to the labourers, and they would
see by many signs that their employers felt a kindly sympathy with
them, as well as a personal, and not altogether disinterested
solicitude in their work.

And so the good harvest was gathered in, and then, when the last sheaf
was set up, and the laden waggon went slowly away from the bare fields,
the harvest-home was celebrated.

Who that has lived a country life for many years, does not remember
with pleasure those merry feasts? The Herberts had one of the best,
and really old-fashioned kind. Everybody was invited, and nobody
thought of declining that invitation. Master and men met together as
equals, and the tables were heaped with good cheer. No slow and solemn
feasts were those of the harvest homes. Laughter, loud and long, was
heard continually, and the hilarity became somewhat tumultuous as the
evening advanced. Mr. Herbert's granary was taken possession of, and
the party adjourned there for a dance. The two best fiddlers of the
neighbourhood were engaged for the occasion, and they struck up a
lively reel The young people were quite ready for a good country dance,
and they indulged in it to their heart's content. Dance succeeded
dance, until it was wonderful that they could longer continue, even at
that pleasant pastime. But had they grown tired a new impetus would
have been given to the festivities by the appearance of Mrs. Herbert,
with her daughters and Grace. At the moment when they entered, George
was leading to her seat a pretty rosy-cheeked girl, with whom he had
been dancing, but, on seeing the lighthouse-maiden, he went immediately
to her side, and solicited her to become his partner for the rest of
the evening. After that the villagers began again, and kept up the
mirth until late at night, when they returned to their homes much
gratified with their pleasant entertainment.

Every girl has a romance, and Grace had her's. The attentions of
George Herbert had been those of a brother, but during this visit they
partook of a warmer character. He lingered by her side, occasionally
pressing her hand with a warmth that brought the blood to her cheeks,
and made her turn away from his glances. She understood what was
meant; and it is almost certain that her heart was in a measure touched
by that which she saw in