THE FEZ


Frankl took up residence at Westring in September, and by November
every ale-house, market, and hiring in Westring had become a scene
of discussion.

The cause was this: Frankl had sent out to his tenants a Circular
containing the words:

"...tenants to use for wear in the Vale a _fez with tassel_ as the
Livery of the Manor...the will of the Lord of the Manor...no
exception..."

But though intense, the excitement was not loud: for want was in
many a home; though after three weeks there were still six farmers
who resisted.

And it happened one day that five of these at the Martinmas "Mop,"
or hiring, were discussing the matter, when they spied the sixth
boring his way, and one exclaimed: "Yonder goes Hogarth! Let's hear
what _he's_ got to say!" and set to calling.

Hogarth twisted, and came winning his way, taller than the crowd,
with "What's up? Hullo, Clinton--not a moment to spare to-day--"

"We were a-talking about that Circular--!" cried one.

At that moment two other men joined the group: one a dark-skinned
Jew of the Moghrabim; the other a young man--an English author--on