conduct--no longer frequenting dances and merry-makings--was a
strongly corroborative circumstance. But Mrs. Griffiths' influence
reigned paramount, if unacknowledged, at Bodowen, and till she
sanctioned the disclosure, none would dare to tell the Squire.

Now, however, the time drew near when it suited her to make her
husband aware of the connection his son had formed; so, with many
tears, and much seeming reluctance, she broke the intelligence to
him--taking good care, at the same time, to inform him of the light
character Nest had borne. Nor did she confine this evil reputation
to her conduct before her marriage, but insinuated that even to this
day she was a "woman of the grove and brake"--for centuries the Welsh
term of opprobrium for the loosest female characters.

Squire Griffiths easily tracked Owen to Ty Glas; and without any aim
but the gratification of his furious anger, followed him to upbraid
as we have seen. But he left the cottage even more enraged against
his son than he had entered it, and returned home to hear the evil
suggestions of the stepmother. He had heard a slight scuffle in
which he caught the tones of Robert's voice, as he passed along the
hall, and an instant afterwards he saw the apparently lifeless body
of his little favourite dragged along by the culprit Owen--the marks
of strong passion yet visible on his face. Not loud, but bitter and
deep were the evil words which the father bestowed on the son; and as
Owen stood proudly and sullenly silent, disdaining all exculpation of
himself in the presence of one who had wrought him so much graver--so
fatal an injury--Robert's mother entered the room. At sight of her
natural emotion the wrath of the Squire was redoubled, and his wild
suspicions that this violence of Owen's to Robert was a premeditated
act appeared like the proven truth through the mists of rage. He