Moreover, a subtlist in emotions, he cultivated as under glasses
strange and mournful pleasures that he would not willingly let die just
at present. To show any forwardness in suggesting a modus vivendi to
Grace would be to put an end to these exotics. To be the vassal of her
sweet will for a time, he demanded no more, and found solace in the
contemplation of the soft miseries she caused him.
Approaching the hill-top with a mind strung to these notions, Fitzpiers
discerned a gay procession of people coming over the crest, and was not
long in perceiving it to be a wedding-party.
Though the wind was keen the women were in light attire, and the
flowered waistcoats of the men had a pleasing vividness of pattern.
Each of the gentler ones clung to the arm of her partner so tightly as
to have with him one step, rise, swing, gait, almost one centre of
gravity. In the buxom bride Fitzpiers recognized no other than Suke
Damson, who in her light gown looked a giantess; the small husband
beside her he saw to be Tim Tangs.
Fitzpiers could not escape, for they had seen him; though of all the
beauties of the world whom he did not wish to meet Suke was the chief.
But he put the best face on the matter that he could and came on, the
approaching company evidently discussing him and his separation from
Mrs. Fitzpiers. As the couples closed upon him he expressed his
congratulations.
"We be just walking round the parishes to show ourselves a bit," said
Tim. "First we het across to Delborough, then athwart to here, and
from here we go to Rubdown and Millshot, and then round by the
cross-roads home. Home says I, but it won't be that long! We be off
next month."
"Indeed. Where to?"
Tim informed him that they were going to New Zealand. Not but that he
would have been contented with Hintock, but his wife was ambitious and
wanted to leave, so he had given way.
"Then good-by," said Fitzpiers; "I may not see you again." He shook
hands with Tim and turned to the bride. "Good-by, Suke," he said,
taking her hand also. "I wish you and your husband prosperity in the
country you have chosen." With this he left them, and hastened on to
his appointment.
The wedding-party re-formed and resumed march likewise. But in
restoring his arm to Suke, Tim noticed that her full and blooming
countenance had undergone a change. "Holloa! me dear--what's the
matter?" said Tim.