up with the pitchfork out of my hand, and had like to have sent me to kingdom come, had not my good woman been nigh to hand, and run to the rescue. I hope you'll find her more placable when you come to ask a kiss."
Elijah rubbed his hands, and laughed boisterously.
"Ha!" shouted he, "that is my Glory! I tell you, Goppin, she'd have drove the prongs of the fork into your flesh as I dig this into the meat," and he stabbed at the joint fiercely with his carving fork.
"I dare say," grumbled the farmer, wincing and rubbing his leg. "I'd for my part rather have a more peaceable mate; but there's no choosing fat beasts for others, as the saying goes."
"What do you think of her?" asked Rebow, turning round with exultation on Bunting and Grout.
"She came to my old woman," said the latter, "and asked her to take her in and give her work. She wanted to leave you."
"She did," exclaimed Rebow. "And what did your old woman say to that?"
"She said she durstn't do it. She durstn't do it."
"She durstn't do it! " echoed Elijah with a great laugh. "That was fine. She durstn't do it!"
"No," pursued Grout, "without your leave."
"And you wouldn't have dared to do it neither," turning to Bunting, who shook his head.
"No, you would not dare. I'd like to see the man or woman in Salcot or Virley as would dare. I reckon there is none that knows me would make the venture. By God!" he burst forth. "Where is the girl? I will have her here; and I'm cursed if you shall not all stand on your legs, and drink to her health and happiness as the most splendid woman as ever was or shall be."
"Abraham Dowsing is at the door," said Mrs. Sharland.
"Come in, and say what you have to say before us all," called Elijah. "If it be anything about my Glory, say it out."
"She is gone off in her boat," said the old man; "I saw her."
"Why did you not stop her then?" asked Mrs. De Witt.
