Then it was necessary to fix the day, and for this purpose it was of course essential that Ruby should be consulted.  During the discussion as to the feast and the bridegroom’s entreaties that the two ladies would be present, she had taken no part in the matter in hand.  She was brought up to be kissed, and having been duly kissed she retired again among the children, having only expressed one wish of her own,—­ namely, that Joe Mixet might not have anything to do with the affair.  But the day could not be fixed without her, and she was summoned.  Crumb had been absurdly impatient, proposing next Tuesday,—­making his proposition on a Friday.  They could cook enough meat for all Bungay to eat by Tuesday, and he was aware of no other cause for...