im, 'talked loud, and had large, rough hands.' Gladys
slipped imperceptibly into her old place, and alternately nursed Netta
and helped Mrs Prothero in the dairy. Owen found many opportunities of
entreating Gladys to let him speak to his father, but she positively
forbade him, as long as there was painful anxiety about Netta; and, at
the same time, angered him by refusing to consider him as her accepted
lover until his father's consent was obtained. Mrs Prothero schooled her
aching heart into outward calm, but her white hair and paleface showed
what she had gone through, and was still suffering. Howel's name was
never mentioned, except between Netta and Gladys. It was to Gladys that
poor Netta opened her mind, and poured out all her hopes and fears about
Howel's return.

The state of that mind varied continually. Sometimes it was tolerably
clear, at others sadly wandering, and the least excitement produced
faintness and pain at the heart; still her friends fancied she gained
strength.

She had the sofa placed so that she could look out of the parlour-window
upon the distant hills. The weather cleared up brisk and bright. The red
and yellow foliage that still remained to cover the huge trunks of the
oaks shone in the sunlight, and the lights and shadows danced upon the
mountains. A few white chrysanthemums, and one or two roses still looked
in at the window, upon her who had once been the brightest flower of
Glanyravon.

Netta had been at home a fortnight, and was really stronger and better.
The sun was setting behind those distant hills, and casting glorious
shades of red, purple, and gold upon them. She was gazing wistfully on
the sky, and thinking of Howel, whilst Minette was sitting on a stool at
her feet, turning over a book, out of which she had been reading to her
mother, whose chief occupation was trying to teach her.

Mr Prothero came in, and took his customary seat at the head of her
sofa. He was followed, almost instantly, by Gladys, who called Minette
out to have her cup of warm milk fresh from the cow, ordered by her
doctor.

'Father,' began Netta, abruptly, 'I have something to say to you.'

'Well, Netta, fach!' said her father, cheerfully. 'Say away. I'm all
attention,'

'Do you like Gladys, father?'

'Of course I do, my dear. Who could help it? She's an excellent young
'ooman.'

'I wish you would promise me one thing, father, before I go away.'

'But you are not going away ever again, my love