'"Ay," I said, as I catched sight o' en through the brimbles,
"that's the lad, for I d' know en by his grand-father's walk; "for
'a stapped out like poor father for all the world. Still there
was a touch o' the frisky that set me wondering. 'A got closer,
and I said, "That's the lad, for I d' know en by his carrying a
black case like a travelling man." Still, a road is common to all
the world, and there be more travelling men than one. But I kept
my eye cocked, and I said to Martin, "'Tis the boy, now, for I d'
know en by the wold twirl o' the stick and the family step." Then
'a come closer, and a' said, "All right." I could swear to en
then.'
Stephen's personal appearance was next criticised.
'He d' look a deal thinner in face, surely, than when I seed en at
the parson's, and never knowed en, if ye'll believe me,' said
Martin.
'Ay, there,' said another, without removing his eyes from
Stephen's face, 'I should ha' knowed en anywhere. 'Tis his
father's nose to a T.'
'It has been often remarked,' said Stephen modestly.
'And he's certainly taller,' said Martin, letting his glance run
over Stephen's form from bottom to top.
'I was thinking 'a was exactly the same height,' Worm replied.
'Bless thy soul, that's because he's bigger round likewise.' And
the united eyes all moved to Stephen's waist.
'I be a poor wambling man, but I can make allowances,' said
William Worm. 'Ah, sure, and how he came as a stranger and
pilgrim to Parson Swancourt's that time, not a soul knowing en
after so many years! Ay, life's a strange picter, Stephen: but I
suppose I must say Sir to ye?'
'Oh, it is not necessary at present,' Stephen replied, though
mentally resolving to avoid the vicinity of that familiar friend
as soon as he had made pretensions to the hand of Elfride.
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