It was a verse which had been omitted by the gallant Stanner, out of
respect to the ladies.

The new-comer was red-haired and of florid complexion, and seemed
full of a conviction that his whim of entering must be their
pleasure, which for the moment it was.

'No ceremony, good men all,' he said; 'I was passing by, and my ear
was caught by the singing. I like singing; 'tis warming and
cheering, and shall not be put down. I should like to hear anybody
say otherwise.'

'Welcome, Master Derriman,' said the miller, filling a glass and
handing it to the yeoman. 'Come all the way from quarters, then? I
hardly knowed ye in your soldier's clothes. You'd look more natural
with a spud in your hand, sir. I shouldn't ha' known ye at all if I
hadn't heard that you were called out.'

'More natural with a spud!--have a care, miller,' said the young
giant, the fire of his complexion increasing to scarlet. 'I don't
mean anger, but--but--a soldier's honour, you know!'

The military in the background laughed a little, and the yeoman then
for the first time discovered that there were more regulars present
than one. He looked momentarily disconcerted, but expanded again to
full assurance.

'Right, right, Master Derriman, no offence--'twas only my joke,'
said the genial miller. 'Everybody's a soldier nowadays. Drink a
drap o' this cordial, and don't mind words.'