you can manage it," said Fabens. "We will turn half
of it into your other bag, that lies out there by the fence, and you
can carry it half at a time, and then get it home before eleven
o'clock."

Then came another scourge like molten lead upon him. He had hoped that
Fabens would not discover the other bag; but now the worst was known;
and taking the fiery chastisement, he submitted, insisting on coming to
work, and declaring he would take no more pay for his work; while the
Squire declared if he worked he should have his pay. He carried away
the wheat, and never again was detected in crime committed after that
night. It could hardly be expected by any man that his character would
be completely changed, or his punishment entirely remitted at once.
But he was a better neighbor, and more inclined to employment; and he
abandoned his love of lying, law, and litigation.

XIX.

THE HARVEST LUNCH.

Bearing witness of prospering hopes and growing joys, nearly a
twelvemonth passed away, and Fabens commenced his wheat harvest. The
last fall seeding was more extensive than that of any former year; the
snows came on early, and in kindly coverings, protected the tender
blades through the winter. Spring rains fell in timely showers to wash
it from mould, and revive it from the withering of frost and wind. The
summer appeared early, as one of Nature's most genial and gentle, and
he looked around on harvests large and white.

He went forth to his fields, with many men, and great preparations.
The songs of the reapers were never more cheerful. The melting hours
of July were never more manfully met. The home of our farmer had
seldom less shadow with its light. Laborers found rarely a more
liberal employer than he. He was generous in the wages he gave; he
allowed more resting hours than any of his neighbors; he was less
exacting in his demands; he always reserved the finest lambs and
chickens to supply his table in that season; he had the best of spruce
beer in Summerfield, and the clearest crystal water. And while with
these mitigations, the toils of the harvesters were still hot and heavy
to be borne, there was that in their fare, in their songs, and
animation, which told of as much happiness, as may crown the tasks of
labor.

To all his sympathies for the laborers, to all his efforts to cheer
them, and temper their fatigues, and give them relief and refreshment,
Mrs. Fabens and Fanny responded with expressions