Page:Under the greenwood tree (1872 Volume 1).pdf/107

especially with a little beverage added! And dancing is good. But why disturb what is ordained, Richard and Reuben, and the company zhinerally? Why, I ask, as far as that goes?'

'Then nothing till after twelve,' said William.

Though Reuben and his wife ruled on social points, religious questions were mostly disposed of by the old man, whose firmness on this head quite counterbalanced a certain weakness in his handling of domestic matters. The hopes of the younger members of the household were therefore relegated to a distance of one hour and three-quarters―a result that took visible shape in them by a remote and listless look about the eyes―the singing of songs being permitted in the interim.

At five minutes to twelve the soft tuning was again heard in the back quarters;