Hast any heard his conch sounding the recall?"
"The woods are still as the day the first echo of the axe was heard
among the trees," returned Faith. "I did hear that which sounded like a
strain of brawling Dudley's songs, but it proved to be no more than the
lowing of one of his own oxen. Perchance the animal misseth some of its
master's care."
"Whittal Ring hath looked to the beasts, and it may not be that he hath
neglected to feed, among others, the creatures of Dudley. Thy mind is
given to levity, Faith, in the matter of this young man. It is not seemly
that one of thy years and sex should manifest so great displeasure at the
name of a youth, who is of an honest nature, and of honest habits, too,
though he may appear ungainly to the eye, and have so little favor with
one of thy disposition."
"I did not fashion the man," said Faith, biting her lip, and tossing her
head; "nor is it aught to me whether he be gainly or not. As to my favor
when he asks it, the man shall not wait long to know the answer. But is
not yon figure the fellow himself, Madam Heathcote?--here, coming in from
the eastern hill, along the orchard path.
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