For in all reason it's you that'll have to look to your pa's property and tenants some time." My father, though not himself an adept in the details of what is commonly called "parish work," was both liberal and kind-hearted.

He liked my knowing the names of his tenants, and taking an interest in their families.

He was well pleased to respond by substantial help when Nurse Bundle and I pleaded for this sick woman or that unshod child, as my mother had pleaded in old days.

As for Nurse Bundle, she had a code of virtues for "young ladies and gentlemen," as such, and charity to the poor was among them.

Though I confess that I think she regarded it more in the light of a grace adorning a certain station, than as a duty incumbent upon all men.
So I came to know most of the villagers; and being a quaint child, with a lively and amusing curiosity, which some little refinement and good-breeding stayed from degenerating into impertinence, I was, I believe, very popular.
One afternoon, during the spring that followed our return from London, I had strolled out with Rubens, and was bowling my hoop towards one of the lodges when a poor woman passed by on the drive (which was a public road through the park), her apron to her face, weeping bitterly.