'Well,' he said in a business-like tone, 'suppose we unpack the little
creatures and Hazel first?'

Mrs. Marston appeared.

'Oh, are you going to a show, Mr. Woodus?' she asked Abel. 'It would
have been so nice and pleasant if you would have played your
instrument.'

'Yes, mum. That's what I've acome for. I inna going to no show. I've
come to the wedding to get my belly-full.'

Mrs. Marston, very much flustered, asked what the animals were for.

'I think, mother, they're for you.' Edward smiled.

She surveyed Foxy, full of vitality after the drive; the bird, moping
and rough; the rabbit, with one ear inside out, looking far from
respectable. She heard the ventriloquistic mews.

'I don't want them, dear,' she said with great decision.

'It's a bit of a cats' 'ome you're starting, mum,' said Abel.

Mrs. Marston found no words for her emotions.

But while Edward and Abel bestowed the various animals, she said to
Martha: