It began in the lanes and streets and in the barns and kitchens of old manor houses like Hatton Hall.

Your great-grandfather used to say it was like a loud cry at midnight startling the sleepy world." "It was the most picturesque domestic event of last century, as well as a religious----" "Picturesque! I never thought of Methodism in that way, John; but I'll tell thee, it took the very heart of Yorkshire and set it to song and prayer--and cotton-spinning.

It stopped a deal of gambling and racing and dog-and cock-fighting, and chapels and mills grew together all over the length and breadth of Yorkshire.

They did that, and all that! I've heard my father say so many a time.

Make haste now, my lad, dinner will spoil if tha keeps it waiting.