Howel won't hear of it; he gets
furious if I even name Glanyravon, and can't bear any of 'em except
you.'

'Netta, I think you must use your influence to keep Howel from so much
horse-racing and betting and card-playing.'

'He don't care for what I say, and goes in a passion when I advise him.'

'But surely you needn't play yourself as you do, and so late! Only think
what my mother--'

'Nonsense, Owen. That would be very fine for Rowland; but you needn't
take to lecturing. You never were a pattern brother or son either.'

Owen felt his sister's words more keenly than she intended.

'You are right, Netta, but I hope to mend. I must go away to-morrow in
order that I may begin. I mean to make some money this next voyage, and
come home, and set up as a steady fellow and good son.'

'And marry Madame Duvet? Do you know she is regularly in love with you?
and they say she has a large fortune in France.'

'There it may remain for me. But I wish you wouldn't play cards
Sundays.'

'They all do it in Paris, Owen, and what's the harm? Besides, it was
only Saturday night; and we never do play Sundays, as you will see
to-day. By-the-bye, what's gone with that Methodistical, lack-a-daisical
Gladys? Is mother as mad about her as ever?'

'She saved your mother's life when there was no one else to nurse her,
and is an angel, if ever there was one!'

Netta opened her large black eyes very wide, and burst out laughing.

'_Ma foi_! is that the last? Well, indeed! I never should have suspected
her of making an impression. But she's deep enough for anything. How
would father like that? Irish beggar against Abertewey! Come, Howel's
better than that any day.

'Handsome is that handsome does,' said Owen, getting very red. 'And
Gladys has done well ever since she's been at Glanyravon by every one
belonging to us, not excepting yourself.'

'Very much obliged to her, I am sure,' said Netta, suddenly sitting up
in bed, and forgetting her headache. 'She needn't trouble herself about
me. I fancy we are never likely to cross one another again, unless she
chances to come a-begging to Abertewey, and then perhaps--'

'And then perhaps you would give her a penny and send her on to starve.
Oh! Netta, Netta, how were you ever my mother's daughter? But once for
all, Netta, I will never hear one word spoken against Gladys. _I_ at
least am thankful that I still have a mother, and I owe it to her.'

'Dear me! you needn't be in such a huff dir