'He is love,' he said to himself.

The blue sky received his certainty, as it had received Hazel's
questioning, in regardless silence.

Mrs. Marston observed Edward narrowly. Then she wrote in her hymn-book:
'Mem: Maltine; Edward.'

The service was over. Edward smiled at her as he passed, and met Mr.
James' frown with dignified good-humour.

Foxy, even more willing to go out than to come in, ran on in front, and
as they entered the house they heard from the cupboard under the stairs
the epithalamium of the one-eyed cat.

'Oh, dear heart!' said Hazel tremulously, looking at the cake, 'I ne'er
saw the like!'

'Mother iced it, dear.'

Hazel ran to Mrs. Marston and put both her thin arms round her neck,
kissing her in a storm of gratitude.

'There, there! quietly, my dear,' said Mrs. Marston. 'I'm glad it
pleases.' She smoothed the purple silk smilingly. Hazel was forgiven.

'I'd a brought the big saw if I'd 'a thought,' said Abel jocosely.

Only Mr. James was taciturn.