"And did you, John?" said Lady Scarlett, passing her arm through her husband's, and pressing it quietly. "Did I, my lady? I was mowing that there great walk and I went by it three or four times, but the grass there was dry and wiry and would not cut, and I had to go over it again and again, and the more I tried to resist the temptation the more it wouldn't flee before me, but kept on a-drawing and a-drawing of me till at last I dropped my scythe and rubber and ran right away, I did, Sir James and my lady, I did indeed." "And left the pear?" said Sir James. The old man shook his grey head sadly. "I was obliged to go and fetch my scythe and rubber, master. I might ha' left 'em till night, but that was the temptation on it a drawing of me till I went back, meaning to shut my eyes and snatch up the scythe and come away. But lor', my lady, you know how weak we sinful mortals be. I tried hard but my eyes would open, and so as I see that pear, I made a snatch at it, meaning to run with it right into the house at once." "And you did not, John?" said Lady Scarlett. "No, ma'am, my lady," said the old man sadly. "I got my finger all over juiced and I sucked it and that did for me. The taste of the sin was so good, Sir James, that I did eat that pear, thinking no one would know, and it's lay heavy on my heart ever since." "And what about the grapes?" said Sir James. "I don't, know, sir; I didn't know they were gone till you see it. That was the on'y time, sir, as ever I dared to take any of the fruit, and I wish as I could turn myself inside out to show you how clean my heart is, sir, of ever doing you a wrong all 'cept that there pear, which has, as I said afore, lay heavy on my chesty ever since." "Well, there: I don't think you took the grapes, Monnick; but it's very vexatious: I meant to send them to Lady Martlett. You must keep a good look out." "Thank you kindly, sir, and I will keep a look out, too. And you don't think I'd rob you, my lady?" "Indeed I don't, John," cried Lady Scarlett, who was divided between a desire to laugh and sorrow for the faithful old fellow's trouble. "God bless your dear, sweet, kind face, my lady, and bless you too, Sir James," said the old fellow, taking off his ragged straw hat and standing bare-headed, "I wouldn't rob you of a leaf." The three then separated, Sir James Scarlett and his sweet young wife going towards the glass-houses, and old John Monnick shouldering his spade and watching them for a few moments before going down towards another part of the garden. "Eh, but they're a handsome pair," he muttered. "He's a bit masterful, but he's got a good heart, and she's an angel, like a pear-tree growed by the water side, she is, bless her! and if I get hold of him as took them grapes I'll--"