rds," explained the agent, "the bulk of the people are
already on the ground."

"Cobbler" Horn was recognised by the people, most of whom knew him well by
sight; and, while the men touched their hats, and the boys made their
bows, the women curtseyed, and each girl gave a funny little bob. Of
all the novel sensations which his wealth had brought to "the Golden
Shoemaker," this was the most distinctly and entirely new. It had not
seemed to him more strange, though it had been less agreeable, to be the
object of Bounder's obsequious attentions, than it did now to receive the
worship of these simple villagers.

In due course they reached the Hall gates, and entered the grounds. A
large marquee, with its fluttering flags, had been erected on one side of
the lawn, which was almost like a small field. The people were dispersed
about the grass in gaily-coloured groups, though few of them had wandered
very far from the gates. When the carriages were seen approaching, the
various parties gathered more closely together; and the people arranged
themselves in lines on either side of the drive. The horses were
immediately brought to a walking pace; and then, a jolly young farmer
leading off, the villagers rent the air with their shouts of welcome. It
was the spontaneous tribute of these simple people to the man, whose
coming had restored long unaccustomed comfort to their lives, and awakened
new hope in their despondent breasts.

"The Golden Shoemaker" raised his hat and waved his hand; and, inasmuch
as the acclamations of the people were evidently intended for the ladies
also, the young secretary nodded around with beaming smiles, and even Miss
Jemima perceptibly bent her rigid neck.

At length the joyous procession arrived in front of the Hall steps. Here
Mr. and Mrs. Burton were waiting to receive them. In response to their
smiling welcome, "Cobbler" Horn shook these good people heartily by the
hand, and, having introduced them to Miss Jemima, turned aside for a
moment, that they might greet their adopted daughter.

In a few moments, he turned to them again, and enquired if everything was
to their mind.

"Everything, sir," said Mr. Burton. "The arrangements are perfect."

"And our little family are all here," added Mrs. Burton, pointing, with
motherly pride, to a row of clean and radiant boys and girls, who were
ranged at the top of the steps.

"Cobbler" Horn's face was illumined with a ray of pleasure, as he looked
up,