"And if he, or the folks he is gone to, call that the Christian
religion, 'tis more than I do!" rejoined the old woman. "I wish I
had met him, I'd have given him a bit of my mind about going off to
his revenge, as he calls it, without ever a thought what was to
become of his own flesh and blood here."
"He did say I might go to service (not that I shall), and that some
one would take you in for the cattle's sake."
"O don't do that, Stead," cried Patience, "don't let us part!" He
had only just time to answer, "No such thing," for people were coming
about them by this time, one after another emerging from the cottages
that stood around the village green. The women were all hotly angry
with Jeph for going off and leaving his young brothers and sisters to
shift for themselves.
"He was ever an idle fellow," said one, "always running after the
soldiers and only wanting an excuse."
"Best thing he could do for himself or them," growled old Green.
"Eh! What, Gaffer Green! To go off without a word or saying by your
leave to his poor little sister before his good father be cold in his
grave," exclaimed a whole clamour of voices.
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