THE FIELD-PLAY. 5 



Under the shady oaks at luncheon the men all petted 

 her and flattered her in their rude way, which, rude as 

 it was, had the advantage of admitting of no mistake. 

 Two or three more men strolled up from other fields, 

 luncheon in hand and eating as they came, merely to 

 chat with her. One was a mower a powerful fellow, 

 big boned, big everywhere, and heavy fisted ; his chest 

 had been open since four o'clock that morning to the 

 sun, and was tanned like his face. He took her in his 

 mighty arms and kissed her before them all ; not one 

 dared move, for the weight of that bone-smashing fist 

 was known. Big Mat drank, as all strong men do ; he 

 fought ; beyond that there was nothing against him. 

 He worked hard, and farmers are only too glad of a 

 man who will work. He was rather a favourite with 

 the master, and trusted. He kissed her twice, and 

 then went back to his work of mowing, which needs 

 more strength than any other country labour a 

 mower is to a man what a dray-horse is to a horse. 



They lingered long over the luncheon under the 

 shady oaks, with the great blue tile of the sky over- 

 head, and the sweet scent of hay around them. They 

 lingered so long, that young Mr. Andrew came to start 

 them again, and found Dolly's cheeks all a-glow. The 

 heat and the laughter had warmed them ; her checks 

 burned, in contrast to her white, pure forehead for 

 her hat was off and to the cool shade of the trees. 

 She lingered yet a little longer chatting with Mr. 

 Andrew lingered a full half-hour and when they 

 parted, she had given him a rose from the hedge. 

 Young Mr. Andrew was but half a farmer's son ; he 

 was destined for a merchant's office in town ; he had 



