Location
Uncertain.
Summary
The narrator, an artist, and Yorkshire Dick, possibly of gypsy descent, are badger hunting one Sunday morning instead of attending the service at a local meeting-house. As the badger is dug out, the narrator’s father and the pastor appear on the scene. Yorkshire Dick explains to them that he is teaching the narrator a more ancient wisdom than can be found in contemporary culture or the religion of the moment.
Notes
It is this wisdom which is possessed by Aunt Alse in Ia and Alsie Pascoe, the wise woman of Warleggan, in The Splendid Spur. Although Q was a committed Anglican and educator he was aware of the erosion of traditional wisdom, especially in rural communities.