midday
The red-brown body slipped away through the tall weeds and clumps of alder , like the larger edition of the thing that had hung upon its shoulder . The overseer strode off down the field , sending keen glances to right and left . He was a conscientious man , and earned every pound of his wages . Landless , left alone , worked steadily on , for he had no mind to lose his midday meal , uninviting as he knew it would prove to be . Moreover , he was one who did with his might what his hand found to do . His body was weary , and his heart sick within him , but the green shoots fell thick and fast . `` Yon was a kindly thing you did .