Tom was a big, hulking fellow, good-natured and simple-hearted in the extreme.

He was the victim of an intense susceptibility to the girls' charms, joined with an intolerable shyness and self-consciousness when in their presence.

From this consuming embarrassment he would seek relief by working like a horse whenever there was anything to do.

With his hands occupied he had an excuse for not talking to the girls or being addressed by them, and, thus shielded from the, direct rays of their society, basked with inexpressible emotions in the general atmosphere of sweetness and light which they diffused.

He liked picnics because there was much work to do, and never attended indoor parties because there was none.