'D'you preach long and solemn?' she asked.

'No,' said Edward rather curtly. 'But if I did, you ought to like it.'

Hazel took his measure again. Then she said naughtily:

'Tell you what I'll do if you preach long and solemn, mister. I'll put
me tongue out!'

Edward laughed in spite of himself, and thought for the twentieth time,
'Poor mother!' But that did not prevent his being anxious to have Hazel
safely at the Mountain. It seemed to him that every man in the county
must want to marry her.

'What would you say to May, Hazel, early May--lilac-time?'

'I'd like it right well.'

'And suppose we fix it the day after the spring flower-show at
Evenwood, and go to it together?'

'I'm going with father to sing.'

'Well, when you've sung, you can have tea with me.'

'Thank you kindly, Mr. Marston.'

'Edward.'

'Ed'ard.'