'I dunna think so. He ne'er lets the others out.'

Edward was silent. The radiant day had gone dark, and he groped in it.

'What for dunnot He, my soul? What for dun He give 'em mouths so's they
can holla, and not listen at 'em? I listen when Foxy shouts out.'

At this moment Edward saw Abel approaching, swaggering along with the
harp. He had never been glad to see him so far; now he was almost
affectionate.

'Laws, Ed'ard!' said Abel, straining the affection to breaking-point,
'you'm having a randy, and no mistake! Dancing and all, I s'pose?'

'No. I shall go before the dancing.'

'You won't get our 'Azel to go along of you, then. Dance her will, like
a leaf in the fall.'

'You'd rather come home with me on your wedding-eve, Hazel, wouldn't
you?'

Abel, seeing Hazel's dismayed face, laughed loudly. Edward hated him as
only sensitive temperaments can, and was conscience-stricken when he
realized the fact.

'Well, Hazel?' he asked gently, and created a situation.

'I dunno,' said Hazel, awkwardly. A depressed silence fell between