“Be quiet, girl; leave people to judge for themselves.” “Oh, I’ve done; sorry I spoke,” answered the girl, pouting. “I will not detain you, Mr. Peace. Allow me to return you my most sincere thanks. I shall have the pleasure of seeing you again in a day or two.” The speaker offered his hand to the burglar; there was the usual interchange of courtesies, and the stranger took his departure. “You ought to make something out of this, Charlie,” said Bessie Dalton. “How so?” returned Peace; “I am to give my services gratuitously.” “True; but it will be the means of introducing you to a lot of swells and rich people, whom you can afterwards call upon and leave your card. You see I’ve an eye to business, old man.” “Oh, yes, certainly, there’s some use in that. Some of them may want pictures framed.” “Who are these for?” said the girl, pointing to some frames which had been just finished. “For old Dawson, up the hill. There’s not much hanging to them, he’s as mean as Lucifer. Indeed, they are all pretty much alike as far as that goes. It’s a hard job to get a living by working for the trade.” “You should have a shop of your own.” “May be I shall after a bit――that is, if I settle in Bradford.” “You are not going to leave us again?” said the girl, putting her arms around his neck, and embracing him fondly; “what should I do without you, Charlie?” “Do as others do,” returned Peace, with a smile. “And what might that be?” “Get hold of another chap――that’s all.” “Men never give girls credit for any feeling,” said Bessie, pouting. “Yes, they are all of them selfish by nature.” “Who?” “Why, the men, of course.” “You don’t mean what you say.” “Don’t I?” “No.” “Only saying so to please you――is that it?” “I’ve no doubt it is.” “Well, here’s something better than words, lass. Here’s a couple of quid for you, to buy a new dress, or anything else you may want.” “Oh you dear, good fellow; and is this for me?” “Certainly, seeing that I gave it of my own free will.” The girl clapped her hands with delight, gave her companion a kiss, and pocketed the money. CHAPTER V. THE CONCERT.――PEACE AS A PUBLIC ENTERTAINER.――THE SURPRISE. The ill-fated weaver who had succumbed to the injuries received in the mill in which he worked was a man of steady habits, an excellent husband and father, and altogether a worthy member of society. He was, in consequence, greatly respected in the town. A committee of influential persons was formed for the purpose of carrying out successfully all the necessary arrangements for the forthcoming concert. Peace, who was to a certain extent popular with a section of the operatives, was introduced to Mr. Knight, the musical director of the proposed entertainment. At the first interview a discussion took place as to the part he was to play on the eventful evening. He tried over several difficult pieces with the pianist, who professed himself well satisfied with the burglar’s ability.