eat; the shares had gone
up nearly to their original value in the most sanguine days; and the
workmen--between prosperity, good management, the lecture-room at the
"Dragon's Head," and the work among them done by the clerical, as well
as the secular, Yolland--were, not models by any means, but far from
the disorderly set they had been. They did take some pride in decent
houses and well-dressed children, and Harold's plans for the
improvement of their condition were accepted as they never would have
been from one whose kindly sympathy and strength of will did not take
them, as it were, captive. "Among those workmen you feel that he is a
born king of men," said Ben Yolland.

And as Bullock had been bailiff as well as agent, Harry had all the
home-farming matters on his hands, and attended to them like any
farmer, so that it was no wonder that he gave little time to the
meetings for archery practice, which involved the five miles
expedition, and even to our own domestic practice, answering
carelessly, when Eustace scolded him about letting a chance go by, and
his heedlessness of the honour of the family, "Oh, I take a shot or two
every morning as I go out, to keep my hand in."

"You'll get your arrows spoilt in the dew," said Eustace.

"They don't go into the dew," said Harold. And as he was always out
with the lark, even Dora seldom saw this practice; but there were
always new holes very near the centre of the target, which Eustace said
proved how true was his own aim.

Harvest came, and in the middle of it the great archery match of the
year, which was held in the beautiful grounds of Mr. Vernon, the member
for Northchester, a little way from the town.

"I suppose Harry may as well go," said Eustace; "but he has not
practised at all, so it will be of little avail. Now if I had not
grazed my hand, I should have scored quite as much as Miss Horsman last
week. It all lies in caring about it."

And severe was his lecture to Harold against foolishly walking in and
making his hand unsteady. Yet, after all, when the carriage came to
the door, Harold was not to be found, though his bow and arrows were
laid ready with ours to be taken. He endured no other apparatus. The
inside of his fingers was like leather, and he declared that tabs and
guard only hampered him. Lady Diana had yielded to her daughter's
entreaties, and brought her to see the contest, though only as a
spectator. As I stood shy and far from sanguine