`Faith,' said Coggan, in a critical tone, turning to his companions, `the man hev learnt to say "my wife" in a wonderful naterel way, considering how very youthful he is in wedlock as yet - hey, neighbours all?'

`I never heerd a skilful old married feller of twenty years' standing pipe "my wife" in a more used note than 'a did,' said Jacob Smallbury. `It might have been a little more true to nater if't had been spoke a little chillier, but that wasn't to be expected just now.'

`That improvement will come wi' time,' said Jan, twirling his eye. Then Oak laughed. Bathsheba smiled (for she never laughed readily now), and their friends turned to go.

`Yes; I suppose that's the size o't,' said Joseph Poorgrass with a cheerful sigh as they moved away; `and I wish him joy o' her; though I were once or twice upon saying today with holy Hosea, in my scripture manner, which is my second nature, "Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone." But since 'tis as 'tis, why, it might have been worse, and I feel my thanks accordingly.'