CHAPTER XXIX.
THE SQUIRE'S SPEECH.
"Friends and neighbours, I thank you kindly for coming round me this day, and for showing so much interest in me and mine.

My cousin was not born amongst you as I was, but you have known her from a child.

It is a familiar face, and one that never frowned, which you will miss at your cottage doors, as I and mine will miss it long in the old Hall--" Here there was a sob from some of the women, and nothing was seen of Mrs.Dale but the white handkerchief.

The squire himself paused, and brushed away a tear with the back of his hand.

Then he resumed, with a sudden change of voice that was electrical,-- "For we none of us prize a blessing till we have lost it! Now, friends and neighbours, a little time ago, it seemed as if some ill-will had crept into the village,--ill-will between you and me, neighbours!--why, that is not like Hazeldean!" The audience hung their heads! You never saw people look so thoroughly ashamed of themselves.