"
"Ever since the death of the straggling wether, the trade of Eben hath
been at a stand," added another; "the down-hearted youth seems like one
ready to give up his calling to the first stranger that shall ask it."
"Creatures which run at large prove better mutton than the stalled
wether," continued a third; "and thereby custom was getting low before
this hunt. Beyond a doubt, he has a full supply for all who shall be
likely to seek venison in his stall."
Ruth observed that the countenance of her husband grew grave, at these
allusions to an event he had always seemed to wish forgotten; and she
interposed with a view to lead the minds of those who listened, back to
matter more fitting to be discussed.
"How is this?" she exclaimed in haste; "hath the stout Dudley lost any of
his craft? I have never counted with greater certainty on the riches of
the table, than when he hath been sent among the hills for the fat deer,
or the tender turkey. It would much grieve me to learn that he beginneth
to lack the hunter's skill."
"The man is getting melancholy with over-feeding," muttered the wilful
tones of one busied among the vessels, in a distant part of the room.
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