CHAPTER XVI.
Never Run Away! During the whole of that evening there was a forced attempt on the part of all the party at Wharton Hall to be merry,--which, however, as is the case whenever such attempts are forced, was a failure.
There had been a hay-making harvest-home which was supposed to give the special occasion for mirth, as Sir Alured farmed the land around the park himself, and was great in hay.

"I don't think it pays very well," he said with a gentle smile, "but I like to employ some of the people myself.

I think the old people find it easier with me than with the tenants." "I shouldn't wonder," said his cousin;--"but that's charity; not employment." "No, no," exclaimed the baronet.

"They work for their wages and do their best.

Powell sees to that." Powell was the bailiff, who knew the length of his master's foot to a quarter of an inch, and was quite aware that the Wharton haymakers were not to be overtasked.
"Powell doesn't keep any cats about the place, but what catch mice.
But I am not quite sure that haymaking does pay." "How do the tenants manage ?" "Of course they look to things closer.