woman like you an old woman. Why, you look ten years younger than when
I saw you last."

"Go 'long, Gethin Owens," said Mrs. Jones. "Didn't you have the
letter?"

"No. Tom said the boys in the streets had torn it in a scrimmage they
had; but he gave me your message."

"Well, come in and look on the settle then."

In the shadow of the settle, Sara sat listening to the conversation,
with a look of amusement in her eyes.

Gethin looked a moment into the dark corner, and, recognising her, took
two steps in advance, with extended hands and a smiling greeting on his
lips; but suddenly the whole expression of his face changed to one of
anxiety and distrust.

"What is it," he said, "has brought you so far, Sara? Is the old man
dead?"

"Nonsense, no!" said Sara.

"Well, you wouldn't come so far to tell me Will was married."

"Indeed I would, then," she said, rising. "Come, thou foolish boy,
didn't I say it was good news? Oh! but thou hasn't had my letter."

Gethin took both her hands between his own.