awkward demonstrations of deference and regard. It is true,
I perceived two or three of the younger peasants, as they were
raising their tankards to their mouths, when the 'Squire's
back was turned, making something of a grimace, and giving
each other the wink; but the moment they caught my eye
they pulled grave faces, and were exceedingly demure. With
Master Simon, however, they all seemed more at their ease.
His varied occupations and amusements had made him well
known throughout the neighborhood. He was a visitor at
every farm-house and cottage; gossiped with the farmers and
their wives; romped with their daughters; and, like that type
of a vagrant bachelor the humble-bee, tolled the sweets from
all the rosy lips of the country round.

The bashfulness of the guests soon gave way before good
cheer and affability. There is something genuine and affec-
tionate in the gayety of the lower orders, when it is excited
by the bounty and familiarity of those above them; the warm
glow of gratitude enters into their mirth, and a kind word or a
small pleasantry frankly uttered by a patron, gladdens the
heart of the dependant more than oil and wine. When the
'Squire had retired, the merriment increased, and there was
much joking and laughter, particularly between Master Simon
and a hale, ruddy-faced, white-headed farmer, who appeared
to be the wit of the village; for I observed all his com-
panions to wait with open mouths for his retorts, and burst
into a gratuitous laugh before they could well understand
them.

The whole house indeed seemed abandoned to merriment;
as I passed to my room to dress for dinner, I heard the sound
of music in a small court, and looking through a window that
commanded it, I perceived a band of wandering musicians,
with pandean pipes, and tambourine; a pretty coquettish
housemaid was dancing a jig with a smart country lad, while
several of the other servants were looking on. In the midst
of her sport, the girl caught a glimpse of my face at the win-
dow, and coloring up, ran off with an air of roguish affected
confusion.

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