She spoke as one conferring the freedom of a city.

Foxy--very clean in her straw, smoothly white and brown, dignified, and
golden of eye--looked mistrustfully at Edward and showed her baby white
teeth.

'She'll liven the old lady up,' said Hazel.

'I'm afraid--' began Edward; and then--'she shows her teeth a good
deal.'

'Only along of being frit.'

'She needn't be frightened. I'll take care of her and of you, and see
that no harm comes to you.'

The statement was received by the night--critical, attent--in a silence
so deep that it seemed quizzical.

On his way home he felt rather dismayed at his task, because he saw
that in making Hazel happy he must make his mother unhappy.

'Ah, well, it'll all come right,' he thought, 'for He is love, and He
will help me.'

The sharp staccato sound of a horse cantering came up behind him. It
was Reddin returning from a wide detour. He pulled up short.

'Is there any fiddler in your parish, parson?' he inquired.