'This young woman,' Mr. James said, 'might, I think, absent herself.'
'Would you rather go or stay, Hazel?'
'Stay along of you, Ed'ard.'
Hazel had divined that something threatened Edward.
They sat down, very dour. Foxy had retired under the table. The shaggy old man surveyed the bird.
'A nice pet, a bird,' he said. 'Minds me of a throstle I kep'
'Now, now, Thomas! Business!' said Mr. James.
'Yes. Get to the point,' said Edward.
James began.
'We've come, minister, six God-fearing men, and me spokesman, being deacon; and we 'ope as good will come of this meeting, and that the Lord'll bless our endeavour. And now, I think, maybe a little prayer?'