But this set contained some sharp fellows--provided outlet for a considerable amount of energy of a raw and roving sort, and, no doubt, did more to maintain the mental equilibrium of the small factory-town than any enthusiast on the other side would for a moment have allowed.

The excitement which followed in the train of a man like Mr.Dyson roused, of course, an answering hubbub among the Timminsites.

The whole of Jerry's circle was stirred up, in fact, like a hive of wasps; their ribaldry grew with what it fed on; and every day some new and exquisite method of harrying the devout occurred to the more ingenious among them.
David had hitherto escaped notice.

But on this evening, while he and his half-dozen companions were still on their knees, they were first disturbed by loud drummings on the shoemaker's door, which opened directly into the little room where they were congregated; and then, when they emerged into the street, they found a mock prayer-meeting going on outside, with all the usual 'manifestations' of revivalist fervour--sighs, groans, shouts, and the rest of it--in full flow.

At the sight of David Grieve there were first stares and then shrieks of laughter.
'I say, Davy,' cried a drunken young weaver, sidling up to him on his knees and embracing him from behind, 'my heart's real touched.
Gie me yor coat, Davy; it's better nor mine, Davy; and I'm yor Christian brother, Davy.' The emotion of this appeal drew uproarious merriment from the knot of Secularists.