"What mistake? Oh——" He understood as he read the note in Toney's writing,
"DEAR MR. AND MRS. THOMAS,
"Please spend this little present just as you like. It's a birthday treat to myself, and come in good time to the dinner and dance.
"Your sincere friend,
"TONEY WHITBURN.
"P.S.—Tell the children they shall have a separate room and can make as much noise as they like."
"The children is so excited, sir, they wouldn't eat their victuals yesterday, but Thomas says he's sure it's a mistake."
"In what way, Mrs. Thomas?"
"Well, sir, the sovereign I mean, a whole sovereign. And it's the same to the others. We didn't want no money from Miss Toney, but it do seem just a nice surprise."
The Vicar unfolded the silver paper and saw the golden sovereign with his own eyes. He had heard Toney was rich, but this beginning appeared lavish and was it wise?