"Aye, mun, what a change is in yon lad," one would say.
"You are roight naa," would be the response.
"He wor as big a rake as ony i' th' parish a few months sin'; I'd never ha' thowt o' Abe Lockwood turning religious."
"No, nor me noather, but we niver know what 'll come to us."
"No,—gooid-noight."
One day Abe and a former companion of his met full in front; there was no sliding away on either side,—they must speak. Both of them experienced a slight nervousness at first, but Abe plucked up courage and came boldly on.
"Naa, lad, haa art ta?"
"Oh, why, middling like, haa's yersen?"
"Aye, mun," said Abe, "it gets better and better, religion is th' best thing i' th' world; it's made me th' happiest chap i' Berry Braa."
"Why, thaa looks merry," said his companion.