‘An’ now they are doin’ it again, in a manner o’ speakin’. Less o’ the ridin’, an’ a deal more o’ such merriments as dancin’ an’ music. They are makin’ a deal o’ noise, an’ that’s important. Pipes! Fiddles an’ drums! Laughin’ and dancin’ and merry-makin’ all over England. An’ there’s some as is doin’ the same in Aylfenhame, since yer return.’ Balli nodded at Isabel. ‘It’s spreadin’. An’ I ‘ave heard an interestin’ theory as to why.’ He paused expectantly. Evidently satisfied with the avid look Isabel was certain he would see upon her own face and her aunt’s, he continued. ‘They are wakin’ people up. Draggin’ them out o’ the Torpor — kickin’ an’ screamin’, if necessary. It’s time fer the Diminishin’ to be reversed, an’ fer Aylfenhame to wake up!’
‘That sounds like a wonderful thing!’ said
