There was a ragged shout of the company in response.

“Bed an' blessin', an' may ye enjoy it,” shouted Frank Brangwen.

There was a swelling chorus in answer.

“Comin' and goin', an' may ye enjoy it,” shouted the saturnine Alfred Brangwen, and the men roared by now boldly, and the women said, “Just hark, now!”

There was a touch of scandal in the air.

Then the party rolled off in the carriages, full speed back to the Marsh, to a large meal of the high-tea order, which lasted for an hour and a half. The bride and bridegroom sat at the head of the table, very prim and shining both of them, wordless, whilst the company raged down the table.