at present. You know we had three weddings at Christmas, which
took thirty-six of my best apple-trees at a blow, besides half a dozen
tall pear-trees, and as many plums. But we shall soon fetch it up, for
Miss Lucilla makes me plant two for every one that is removed, so that
we are always provided for a wedding, come when it will."

I now recollected that I had been pleased with observing so many young
orchards and flourishing cottage gardens in the village: little did I
suspect the fair hand which could thus in a few years diffuse an air of
smiling comfort around these humble habitations, and embellish poverty
itself. She makes, they told me, her periodical visits of inspection to
see that neatness and order do not degenerate.

Not to appear too eager, I asked the poor man some questions about his
health, which seemed infirm. "I am but weak, sir," said he, "for matter
of that, but I should have been dead long ago but for the Squire's
family. He gives me the run of his kitchen, and Miss Lucilla allows me
half-a-crown a week for one day's work and any odd hour I can spare; but
she don't let me earn it, for she is always watching for fear it should
be too hot, or too cold, or too wet for me; and she brings me my dose of
bark herself into this tool-house, that she may be sure I take it; for
she says, servants and poor people like to have medicines provided for
them, but don't care to take them. Then she watches that I don't throw
my coat on the wet grass, which she says, gives laboring men so much
rheumatism; and she made me this nice flannel waistcoat, sir, with her
own hands. At Christmas they give me a new suit from top to toe, so that
I want for nothing but a more thankful heart, for I never can be
grateful enough to God and my benefactors."

I asked some further questions, only to have the pleasure of hearing him
talk longer about Lucilla. "But, sir," said he, interrupting me, "I hear
bad news, very bad news. Pray, your honor, forgive me." "What do you
mean, James?" said I, seeing his eyes fill. "Why, sir, all the servants
at the Grove will have it that you are come to carry off Miss Lucilla,
God bless her whenever she goes. Your Mr. Edwards, sir, says you are one
of the best of gentlemen, but indeed, indeed, I don't know who can
deserve her. She will carry a blessing wherever she goes." The honest
fellow put up the sleeve of his coat to brush away his tears, nor was I
ashamed of those with which his honest affection