foresaw something bad when I was at Abertewey. But what of
that rascal, Deep?'

'They can make nothing of him; he is already released, and if he knows
anything of Howel he has not let it out.'

'I can't help liking poor Aunt 'Lizbeth; she says she will spend every
farthing she has for Howel, and when I tell her to remember her old age
and keep her money, all I get is, "What will I do if my Howel is ruined?
What will I care for money if he is gone?" It is pretty well known that
he has forged her name for thousands of pounds, but she won't own it,
and swears to all his signatures as her own, I verily believe, with her
eyes shut.'

'Does father hear all these things?'

'Nobody dares to speak to him. He opens out to me with a vengeance, and
wants a little of your preaching to refine his language. But who can
wonder? I am ashamed to show my nose myself. The first bit of pleasure I
have had since it began was seeing Gladys look so well and happy this
morning. What has happened to her? Is she going to be married? for
nothing else have changed a girl's face from November to June. At the
same time, she might have a little more feeling for us than to look her
best when we are at our worst. Poor Netta! I'm sure she won't live. I've
wished myself at sea nearly every day for the last six years, and I'm
sure I wish myself there now.'

'My good fellow,' said Rowland, 'don't say that; what should any of us
do without you? You are the only stay of our parents at home, and will
be poor Netta's last comfort.'

'If I were sure I were of any use I wouldn't mind; but when I see
Gladys, or think of her, the truth is I get savage. Perhaps it is a
proper punishment for pretending to stay at home on father and mother's
account, when it was really on hers. But never mind; I suppose one
girl's really as good as another. Will you come down at Christmas,
Rowland?'

'I wish I could; but our rector is so ill that there is no chance of his
being able to leave Nice this winter, and Jones and I have all the duty.
The last account was so bad that Mr Wenlock fears, if he returns at all,
it will be only to die.'

We will not follow the brothers further in their conversation; they made
the most of the few hours they were together, and after a short night's
rest, arose early, breakfasted, and went to fetch Netta.

The sight of her favourite brother, and the prospect of returning home
had roused her, and she seemed more herself than she had been si