Запретный лес
IV. The Faithful Servant
NicholasHawkshawaskednomorethanhismodestrentalinkind,anddidnotexacthisdueinlabour,butforaweektheroadbythebackoftheHillofDeersawaprocessionofhorsescarryingthe"kain"mealtotheCalidongranary.Astheministerwatchedthesightoneday,EphraimCaird,theChasehopetenant,stoodbesidehim,lookinggloomilyathisownbeastsreturning."That’sthewayourpuircropsareguided,"hesaid."Astheauldfolkusedtosay,’Aneparttosaw,aneparttognaw,andanetopaythelairdwitha’.’"HiseyesshowedthathehadnoloveforCalidon.
Hallowmassthatyearwasacheerfulseason.TheeldersshooktheirheadsattheHallowe’enjunketings,andthesevereChasehopewasstronginhiscondemnation.ButonthenightofHallowe’en,asDavidwalkedinthebrightmoonlightandsawthelightsinthecottagesandheardlaughterandajiggingoffiddles,hedidnotfinditinhishearttocondemntheancientfashions.NorapparentlydidChasehopehimself,forDavidwasmuchmistakenifitwasnotEphraim’sgreatshouldersandfieryheadthathesawamongthecabbage-stalksinNanceKello’sgarden.HehadbeentoHallowe’enfrolicshimselfinpastdayswhenhestayedwithhiscousinatNewbiggin,butitseemedtohimthathereinWoodileetherewassomethingoppressedandfurtiveinthemerriment.Therewasasecrecyabouteachlitdwelling,andnosignofyoungladsandlasseslaughingontheroads.
