The young man drank without the least reluctance, and said, 'Yes,
miller, I am called out. 'Tis ticklish times for us soldiers now;
we hold our lives in our hands--What are those fellows grinning at
behind the table?--I say, we do!'

'Staying with your uncle at the farm for a day or two, Mr.
Derriman?'

'No, no; as I told you, six mile off. Billeted at Casterbridge.
But I have to call and see the old, old--'

'Gentleman?'

'Gentleman!--no, skinflint. He lives upon the sweepings of the
barton; ha, ha!' And the speaker's regular white teeth showed
themselves like snow in a Dutch cabbage. 'Well, well, the
profession of arms makes a man proof against all that. I take
things as I find 'em.'

'Quite right, Master Derriman. Another drop?'

'No, no. I'll take no more than is good for me--no man should; so
don't tempt me.'

The yeoman then saw Anne, and by an unconscious gravitation went
towards her and the other women, flinging a remark to John Loveday
in passing. 'Ah, Loveday! I heard you were come; in short, I come
o' purpose to see you. Glad to see you enjoying yourself at home
again.'