free will； and took the child to her capacious breast。
'Will Fern！' said Trotty； pulling on his right…hand muffler。 'Not the
friend you was hoping to find？'
81
… Page 82…
The Chimes
'Ay！' returned Will； putting a hand on each of Trotty's shoulders。 'And
like to prove a'most as good a friend； if that can be； as one I found。'
'O！' said Trotty。 'Please to play up there。 Will you have the
goodness！'
To the music of the band； and； the bells； the marrow…bones and
cleavers； all at once； and while the Chimes were yet in lusty operation out
of doors； Trotty； making Meg and Richard； second couple； led off Mrs。
Chickenstalker down the dance； and danced it in a step unknown before or
since； founded on his own peculiar trot。
Had Trotty dreamed？ Or； are his joys and sorrows； and the actors in
them； but a dream； himself a dream； the teller of this tale a dreamer；
waking but now？ If it be so； O listener； dear to him in all his visions； try
to bear in mind the stern realities from which these shadows come； and in
your sphere … none is too wide； and none too limited for such an end …
endeavour to correct； improve； and soften them。 So may the New Year
be a happy one to you； happy to many more whose happiness depends on
you！ So may each year be happier than the last； and not the meanest of
our brethren or sisterhood debarred their rightful share； in what our Great
Creator formed them to enjoy。
82