and I, Will, have been together all our lives. Ann has not been quite
so much a sister to me since we've grown up, but then I am only the
milkmaid, and Gwilym Morris has come between."

"Yes, true," said Will; "but between me and thee, Morva, nothing has
ever come. Promise me once more, that when I have a home for thee thou
wilt marry me and come and live with me. My love for thee is the only
shadow on my future, because I fear sometimes that something will part
us, and yet, lass, it is the brightest spot, too--dost believe me?"

"Yes," said Morva, with eyes cast down upon the wild thyme which her
fingers were idly plucking, "I believe thee, Will. What need is there
to say more? I have promised thee to be thy wife, and dost think I
would break my word? Never! unless, Will, thou wishest it thyself.
Understand, that when once I am sure that thou hast changed thy mind
then I will never marry thee."

"That time will never come," said Will; and they sat and talked till
the evening shadows lengthened and till the sun sank low in the west;
then they parted, and Morva once more turned her footsteps homewards.
She walked more soberly than before, and there was no song upon her
lips.




CHAPTER V

THE SEA MAIDEN