Such a rush of philanthropy numbed the baker's faculties; but even in that semi-paralysed condition he remained a man of business. His fingers closed upon the coins, his feet carried him to the door; then he turned back to face this benefactor, who was shedding sovereigns in the reckless fashion of a tree casting its autumnal leaves. The old folk were to be provided with a meat tea; the Mudges were to be given a week at the seaside; the donor was to remain anonymous. Dyer in all his dreariness could not understand why Mr. Drake should desire to benefit his fellow creatures at all; but, more than that, he was actually proposing to do good stealthily. Where then was the advertisement? "It's a lot of money, sir. You could buy a bit of land vor this," he said at last. "I do not require any land," George answered. "You don't get any profit so far as I can see," the baker proceeded. "I am helping you to give Robert and Bessie the first real holiday they have ever known; I am enabling you to keep your promise; and I am enjoying the satisfaction of performing an unselfish action." "'Tis there I'm beat. Why don't ye give the money to Robert, and tell 'en 'tis a present from me and you?" "I will, if you like, and tell him your share is one shilling." Dyer again moved towards the door; but still he hesitated. "They could do it on less than five pounds, sir." "Give them four, then, and keep the other sovereign for yourself," George replied, breaking out into bribery. "What about the shilling?" asked Dyer eagerly. "I'll let you off that." The baker became a reformed character at once. He did not profess to understand Mr. Drake's extraordinary conduct, but he was quite willing to benefit by the eccentricities of any man. His meanness had become a by-word in the parish. Now Mr. Drake was offering to purchase him a reputation for generosity, which was almost as good as an annuity, and was giving him a sovereign for himself. Dyer was not the man to shrink from duty that was profitable. "You're the son of your uncle, sir," he said with feeling. "I have always set his example before me," replied George. "I'll spare Robert a week from tomorrow. Don't ye think, sir, four pounds are a bit too much?" "I couldn't let them do it on less," said George firmly. "And you don't want me to tell 'em part of the money comes from you?" "I want them to think you are keeping your promise." The baker retired, muttering, "He wants to get 'em out of Highfield House vor certain. But that don't matter to me so long as I get my profit."