“It's best,” said Lizzie, “you're more free.”

The party talked on slowly. Brangwen looked at his watch.

“Let's go an' give 'em a carol,” he said.

“We s'll find th' fiddles at the 'Cock an' Robin'.”

“Ay, come on,” said Frank.

Alfred rose in silence. The brother-in-law and one of Will's brothers rose also.

The five men went out. The night was flashing with stars. Sirius blazed like a signal at the side of the hill, Orion, stately and magnificent, was sloping along.

Tom walked with his brother, Alfred. The men's heels rang on the ground.