CHAPTER X.
July 14th.
We are not wholly without the pleasures of the town in Barbury Green.
Once or twice in a summer, late on a Saturday afternoon, a procession of red and yellow vans drives into a field near the centre of the village.
By the time the vans are unpacked all the children in the community are surrounding the gate of entrance.

There is rifle-shooting, there is fortune-telling, there are games of pitch and toss, and swings, and French bagatelle; and, to crown all, a wonderful orchestrion that goes by steam.

The water is boiled for the public's tea, and at the same time thrilling strains of melody are flung into the air.

There is at present only one tune in the orchestrion's repertory, but it is a very good tune; though after hearing it three hundred and seven times in a single afternoon, it pursues one, sleeping and waking, for the next week.

Phoebe and I took the Square Baby and went in to this diversified entertainment.
There was a small crowd of children at the entrance, but as none of them seemed to be provided with pennies, and I felt in a fairy godmother mood, I offered them the freedom of the place at my expense.
I never purchased more radiant good-will for less money, but the combined effect of the well-boiled tea and the boiling orchestrion produced many village nightmares, so the mothers told me at chapel next morning.
* * * * * I have many friends in Barbury Green, and often have a pleasant chat with the draper, and the watchmaker, and the chemist.
{The freedom of the place at my expense: p74.jpg} The last house on the principal street is rather an ugly one, with especially nice window curtains.