"If you went among them more they wouldn't dislike you."

"I don't want to go among them."

"They know it, and that's the reason they dislike you."

"Would you like to go out to tea-drinkings, and all that?"

"No, indeed; and I don't suppose I'd be received," she added sadly.

"So much the worse for them, then, blast 'em!" said Holcroft wrathfully.

"Oh no! I don't feel that way and you shouldn't. When they can, people ought
to be sociable and kind."

"Of course I'd do any of my neighbors, except Lemuel Weeks, a good turn if it
came in my way, but the less I have to do with them the better I'm satisfied."

"I'm rested enough to go on now," said Alida quietly.

They were not long in reaching the edge of the woodland, from which there was
an extended prospect. For some little time they looked at the wide landscape
in silence. Alida gave to it only partial attention for her mind was very
busy with thoughts suggested by her husband's alienation from his neighbors.
It would make it easier for her, but the troubled query would arise, "Is it
right or best for him? His marrying me will separate him still more."

Holcroft's face grew sad rather than troubled as he looked at the old meeting
house and not at the landscape. He was sitting near the spot where he spent
that long forenoon a few Sundays before, and the train of thought came back