d by Mrs Prothero, who
shook hands in a trembling, frightened way with Mrs Jenkins, who, on the
contrary, strong in the consciousness of fortune and new apparel, was
perfectly self-possessed. She began at once.

'I am coming about my Howel and your Netta, Mrs Prothero Howel is in a
fine temper, keeping noise enough, I can tell you; and I should like to
be knowing why he isn't good enough for your doater, Mrs Prothero; him
as is worth hundreds of thousands, and is as like to be coming a member,
and to be riding in his own carriage, and to be dining with the Queen
for that much! and seurely, he don't be good enough for Miss Prothero
Glanyravon Farm! Ach a fi! some peoples do be setting themselves up! my
Howel, too! So handsome, and genteel, so full of learning! Name o'
goodness what would you have, Mrs Prothero, Glanyravon Farm?'

Mrs Jenkins paused with a long emphasis on the farm.

'I am very sorry, Mrs Jenkins,' began trembling Mrs Prothero rubbing one
hand nervously over the other, 'but my husband is afraid that Howel is
not quite steady enough for such a giddy young thing as Netta.'

'Study! why, tak' your time and you'll be seeing how study and pretty he
do behave. On my deet, and I 'ouldn't say that, if I wasn't as seure as
I'm alive, he haven't took a drop too much, nor said a wicked word, nor
keep no low company since his poor dear father was dying. Ah, Mrs
Prothero! you was being very good to us when I was losing my poor
Griffey. Who'd be thinking what a heap of money he'd be leaving, and
Howel'll be building a good house for me? and seure, I must be dressing
in my best, and having servants to wait on me? and, bless you, nothing
as my son Howel's can be getting is too good for his poor old mother!'

'I am very glad to hear he is so kind,' said Mrs Prothero.

'Then what do you say about Netta, Mrs Prothero, fach?' sharply asked
Mrs Jenkins.

'To tell you the truth, I have very little power; my husband made up his
mind and wrote the note without consulting me.'

'Then maybe I could be seeing Mr Prothero?'

'I am afraid it would only lead to something unpleasant between you.'

'Oh, you needn't be taking the trouble to be afraid, ma'am! I am calling
my Howel as good or better as your Netta. There was a time when you
might been looking higher, but now I conceit it, it will be us as do
condescend. There's Miss Rice Rice, and the Miss Jamms's, Plas Newydd,
and Miss Lawis, Pontammon, and Miss Colonel Rees, and