lly he
is longing to see his wife. You must make no objection, Meurig."

"None. I have no wish to do so."

"Nellie and I," continued his brother, "are quite looking forward to
see our niece--of course we make all allowance for the rhapsodies of a
lover; but discounting all that, I really think, Meurig, he has found a
pearl in that old, rough oyster-shell of a house."

"Wait a moment, Cardo," said his father, as he saw his son hunting
about for his hat. "I am afraid I have a disappointment in store for
you," and from his breast-pocket he drew out, and handed to Cardo, his
own letter to Valmai.

Cardo's face blanched, as with trembling fingers he turned the envelope
round and round.

"What is the meaning of this, father?" he asked at last an angry flush
rising to his pale face, "Did I count too much upon your forgiveness
when I asked you to give this to Valmai?"

"No, my dear boy, I would gladly have given it to her, and I grieve for
your disappointment, but she has left this neighbourhood many, many
months, and nobody knows where she has gone."

"Gone!" was all Cardo could exclaim, as he flung himself into a chair
and hid his face in his hands.

"Yes. Much has happened since you left, and you may as well know it
now. There is nothing to hide from your uncle and aunt?"

"No, no, tell me at once."

"Well, much had happened before she left."

Here Cardo started up excitedly.

"Why, she has gone to her Uncle John, of course. Where else should she
go, dear innocent, without another friend in the world?"

The Vicar shook his head.

"She is not there, Cardo, for he died some months ago and left all his
money to his niece."

But Cardo heard not the latter information. He was stunned by the news
of old Captain Powell's death; he had never thought of this
possibility, and was thrown into despair by the blow. Valmai wandering
about the world friendless and alone! The thought was distracting, and
in desperation he rushed out of the house.

"Poor fellow," said Lewis Wynne, "this is a terrible blow to him."

"Yes, yes, indeed! Perhaps he will be able to get some clue in the
village."

Cardo flew over the beach and up the well-known path to Dinas. Shoni
was standing in the farm-yard.

"Caton pawb! wass it you, Cardo Wynne?" he said. "Well, I was swear to
make you feel the weight of my fist; but if the news is true that
Valmai is marry to you, I will shake hands instead."

Cardo wrung his hand.