'Virgin's pride.'
Edward gave her a quick look. Then he realized that she was as innocent as her little fox, and as free from artifice. That was its name, so she told it to him.
'A very pretty little flower, and a very sweet name,' he said, 'And now, where's your father?'
'Guzzling his supper.'
Edward frowned. Then the humour of the situation struck him, and he laughed. Abel rose as they came to the door.
'Well, mister,' he inquired glumly, 'what'n you after? Money for them missions to buy clothes for savages as 'd liefer go bare? Or money for them poor clergy? I'm poorer nor the clergy.'
'I want to marry Hazel.'
Abel flung back his head and roared. Then he jerked his thumb over his shoulder towards Hazel.
'What?—'er?' he queried in ecstasies of mirth. ''Er? Look at the floor, man! Look at the apern she's got on! Laws, man! you surely dunna want our 'Azel for your missus?'
'Yes.' Edward was nettled and embarrassed.