Page:Fletcher--Where Highways Cross.djvu/170

 Hepworth's arrival was greeted with a round of applause. The oldest of the men rose to his feet and insisted on shaking him by the hand.

"Dang it!" said he. "It's a long lane 'at hes no turnin', and I alius said 'at he'd wed some day or another. Here's good luck, my lad."

"Thank you," said Hepworth. "I'm heartily obliged to you."

"It's a joyful occasion is a weddin'," said the old farmer. "Eh, I mind mine as weel as if it wor yesterday! It's nigh on to forty year sin', but it's fresh enew i' my memory. Aye, so it is."

"I think Mestur Hepworth mun ax us to drink his wife's health," said the drover, with a roguish twinkle of the eye. "It's t' least we can do on such a joyful occasion. I've drunk a many healths i' my time, but niver one 'at I'd drink wi' more pleasure."

"Nor me," said the butcher. "I allus had a great respect for Mr. Hepworth."