elf before the
inn at Mallwyd.

CHAPTER LXXV

Inn at Mallwyd--A Dialogue--The Cumro.

I entered the inn, and seeing a comely-looking damsel at the bar, I told
her that I was in need of supper and a bed. She conducted me into a neat
sanded parlour, where a good fire was blazing, and asked me what I would
have for supper. "Whatever you can most readily provide," said I; "I am
not particular." The maid retired, and taking off my hat, and
disencumbering myself of my satchel, I sat down before the fire and fell
into a doze, in which I dreamed of some of the wild scenes through which
I had lately passed.

I dozed and dozed till I was roused by the maid touching me on the
shoulder and telling me that supper was ready. I got up and perceived
that during my doze she had laid the cloth and put supper upon the table.
It consisted of bacon and eggs. During supper I had some conversation
with the maid.

_Myself_.--Are you a native of this place?

_Maid_.--I am not, sir; I come from Dinas.

_Myself_.--Are your parents alive?

_Maid_.--My mother is alive, sir, but my father is dead.

_Myself_.--Where does your mother live?

_Maid_.--At Dinas, sir.

_Myself_.--How does she support herself?

_Maid_.--By letting lodgings to miners, sir.

_Myself_.--Are the miners quiet lodgers?

_Maid_.--Not always, sir; sometimes they get up at night and fight with
each other.

_Myself_.--What does your mother do on those occasions?

_Maid_.--She draws the quilt over her head, and says her prayers, sir.

_Myself_.--Why doesn't she get up and part them?

_Maid_.--Lest she should get a punch or a thwack for her trouble, sir.

_Myself_.--Of what religion are the miners?

_Maid_.--They are Methodists, if they are anything; but they don't
trouble their heads much about religion.

_Myself_.--Of what religion are you?

_Maid_.--I am of the Church, sir.

_Myself_.--Did you always belong to the Church?

_Maid_.--Not always. When I was at Dinas I used to hear the preacher,
but since I have been here I have listened to the clergyman.

_Myself_.--Is the clergyman here a good man?

_Maid_.--A very good man indeed, sir. He lives close by. Shall I go and
tell him you want to speak to him?

_Myself_.--Oh dear me, no! He can employ his time much more usefully
than in waiting upon me.

After supper I sat quiet for about an hour. Then ringing the bell, I
inquired of the maid whether there was a newspaper in the house.