The trumpet-major replied civilly, though not without grimness, for
he seemed hardly to like Derriman's motion towards Anne.

'Widow Garland's daughter!--yes, 'tis! surely. You remember me? I
have been here before. Festus Derriman, Yeomanry Cavalry.'

Anne gave a little curtsey. 'I know your name is Festus--that's
all.'

'Yes, 'tis well known--especially latterly.' He dropped his voice
to confidence pitch. 'I suppose your friends here are disturbed by
my coming in, as they don't seem to talk much? I don't mean to
interrupt the party; but I often find that people are put out by my
coming among 'em, especially when I've got my regimentals on.'

'La! and are they?'

'Yes; 'tis the way I have.' He further lowered his tone, as if they
had been old friends, though in reality he had only seen her three
or four times. 'And how did you come to be here? Dash my wig, I
don't like to see a nice young lady like you in this company. You
should come to some of our yeomanry sprees in Casterbridge or
Shottsford-Forum. O, but the girls do come! The yeomanry are
respected men, men of good substantial families, many farming their
own land; and every one among us rides his own charger, which is
more than these cussed fellows do.' He nodded towards the dragoons.

'Hush, hush! Why, these are friends and neighbours of Miller
Loveday, and he is a great friend of ours--our best friend,' said