n writing. The gaoler closed the door,
having orders to remain without, and left the cousins alone.

Rowland stood some time irresolute in the gloomy cell, but finding that
Howel did not move, he went round in front of him, and said,--

'Howel!'

The word was quite sufficient. He started up, and whilst the blood
rushed to his face, said coolly,--

'To what am I indebted for the honour of a visit from Mr Prothero? I
think I sent you a message to the effect that I am not now in a position
to receive company. My chambers are anything but suited to convivial
society, and I prefer solitude just at present. I have already had the
benefit of clergy, and do not need any of your sermons, excellent as I
am told they are. Indeed, divinity was always out of my line.'

'I come to fulfil the dying request of your wife and my sister, which
that letter will explain,' said Rowland, calmly and gravely, placing an
open letter on the table.

Howel's countenance changed at once--the flush of passion passed away,
and left a painful pallor, whilst the sarcastic mouth became compressed
into a marble rigidity. He sat down again, and pushing aside the paper
that had previously been before him, drew the letter towards him. He put
his elbows on the table, and shrouded his face so that Rowland could
not see him, and bending over the letter, gazed on the writing without
attempting to read, as one might gaze on a spirit without daring to
speak to it. The letter was, indeed, a voice from the dead, and dated
the very day before that on which Netta died. Its contents were as
follows:--

'MY DEAR BROTHER,--I intend leaving Glanyravon, and all my dear
relations, to go in search of Howel, who, you know, is my husband;
and therefore to be loved and obeyed before any one else. If I die
before I find him, as perhaps I may--my heart being so bad--I wish
you to see him when he comes back, and to give him the accompanying
sealed packet yourself. Nobody knows how I have loved him all my
life, and perhaps if I had been better tempered and less jealous,
he might have stayed at home, and not been obliged to go away for
debt. But when I have found him, I will be very loving and patient,
and then we shall be happy together again. If I don't find him,
however--if I die first--will you, dear brother, talk to him as you
have talked and written to me, and then I may meet him again in a
happier world,