"Mrs. Fogson, virtue is its own reward," observed the squire solemnly.
"It has to be in my case," said Mrs. Fogson; "but it comforts me to think that you at least appreciate my efforts."
"I do; I do, indeed! You can always rely upon me to—to—in a word, to back you up."
Here a diversion was made by the appearance of Mr. Fogson and the two boys.
"Oh, Simeon!" exclaimed Mrs. Fogson impulsively. "You don't know what you have lost."
Mr. Fogson mechanically glanced at his vest to see whether his watch-chain and the watch appended were gone.
"What have I lost?" he demanded.
"Squire Dixon's interesting speech to the paupers. It was truly eloquent."
"My dear Mrs. Fogson," said the squire, looking modest, "you quite overrate my simple words."