The Black Moon
“Shortly after his visit to Demelza there had been a row at Sally Chill-Off's kiddley, for which he was partly responsible. Normal times Sally kept good order, and the fact that she was a widow always helped. Men regularly staggered home drunk, but for the most part it was a peaceful procession, and if one or another became aggressive and sought to pick a quarrel, there were enough responsible ones to sit on his head or throw him into the ditch outside.
Tholly's arrival changed that. In theory t...he presence of a man in the house-and a powerful, tough man-should have contributed to law and order. But it released the customers from an unwritten obligation to see to the safety of the widow. Also, village folk have long memories, and there were some who remembered Tregirls without warmth or pleasure.
Afterwards no one quite remembered how the trouble began; but in fact the instigator of it was, of all people, that Jud Paynter. Under the influence of Sam and his teaching, Jud's Wesleyanism, which wavered with the years, had suddenly caught fire, and, although he did not allow it to interfere with his drinking habits, he felt himself called to attend prayer meetings and to imbibe new wisdom weekly.MoreLess
Tholly's arrival changed that. In theory t...he presence of a man in the house-and a powerful, tough man-should have contributed to law and order. But it released the customers from an unwritten obligation to see to the safety of the widow. Also, village folk have long memories, and there were some who remembered Tregirls without warmth or pleasure.
Afterwards no one quite remembered how the trouble began; but in fact the instigator of it was, of all people, that Jud Paynter. Under the influence of Sam and his teaching, Jud's Wesleyanism, which wavered with the years, had suddenly caught fire, and, although he did not allow it to interfere with his drinking habits, he felt himself called to attend prayer meetings and to imbibe new wisdom weekly.MoreLess
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