The disagreeable fellow is most conscientious in fulfilling his part of the bargain, and makes himself a perfect curse to the whole village.

The others have dropped into their respective positions and are working well.

The lady visits them all every afternoon, and is most charitable.

They call her Lady Bountiful, and everybody blesses her." Brown rose as he finished speaking, and mixed himself a glass of whisky and water with the self-satisfied air of a benevolent man about to reward somebody for having done a good deed; and MacShaughnassy lifted up his voice and talked.
"I know a story bearing on the subject, too," he said.

"It happened in a tiny Yorkshire village--a peaceful, respectable spot, where folks found life a bit slow.