"It is the only way for you to get past. Stand still. Nonsense--you
are not too heavy! I'd carry you all four together. Now, Marian,
attend," he continued, "and put your arms round my shoulders, so.
Now! Hold on. That's well done."
Marian had lowered herself upon his arm and shoulder as directed, and
Angel strode off with her, his slim figure, as viewed from behind,
looking like the mere stem to the great nosegay suggested by hers.
They disappeared round the curve of the road, and only his sousing
footsteps and the top ribbon of Marian's bonnet told where they were.
In a few minutes he reappeared. Izz Huett was the next in order upon
the bank.
"Here he comes," she murmured, and they could hear that her lips were
dry with emotion. "And I have to put my arms round his neck and look
into his face as Marian did."
"There's nothing in that," said Tess quickly.
"There's a time for everything," continued Izz, unheeding. "A time
to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; the first is now
going to be mine."
"Fie--it is Scripture, Izz!"
"Yes," said Izz, "I've always a' ear at church for pretty verses."
Angel Clare, to whom three-quarters of this performance was a
commonplace act of kindness, now approached Izz.
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