Netta had various ebullitions of temper during their conversation and declared herself greatly aggrieved by her father’s conduct.

‘But it is just as well,’ she said, ’for our positions are so different that we should never have got on comfortably.  Howel is determined never to make up with father.’

‘I am afraid he is not likely to have the option,’ said Owen, gravely.  ’But you should write and beg his pardon, Netta; you know you acted directly contrary to his wishes.’

’I think I would write, Owen, but Howel won’t hear of it; he gets furious if I even name Glanyravon, and can’t bear any of ’em except you.’

’Netta, I think you must use your influence to keep Howel from so much horse-racing and betting and card-playing.’

‘He don’t care for what I say, and goes in a passion when I advise him.’

’But surely you needn’t play yourself as you do, and so late!  Only think what my mother—­’

’Nonsense, Owen.  That would be very fine for Rowland; but you needn’t take to lecturing.  You never were a pattern brother or son either.’

Owen felt his sister’s words more keenly than she intended.

’You are right, Netta, but I hope to mend.  I must go away to-morrow in order that I may begin.  I mean to make some money this next voyage, and come home, and set up as a steady fellow and good son.’

’And marry Madame Duvet?  Do you know she is regularly in love with you? and they say she has a large fortune in France.’

’There it may remain for me.  But I wish you wouldn’t play cards Sundays.’

’They all do it in Paris, Owen, and what’s the harm?  Besides, it was only Saturday night; and we never do play Sundays, as you will see to-day.  By-the-bye, what’s gone with that Methodistical, lack-a-daisical Gladys?  Is mother as mad about her as ever?’

’She saved your mother’s life when there was no one else to nurse her, and is an angel, if ever there was one!’

Netta opened her large black eyes very wide, and burst out laughing.

’Ma foi! is that the last?  Well, indeed!  I never should have suspected her of making an impression.  But she’s deep enough for anything.  How would father like that?  Irish beggar against Abertewey!  Come, Howel’s better than that any day.

‘Handsome is that handsome does,’ said Owen, getting very red.  ’And Gladys has done well ever since she’s been at Glanyravon by every one belonging to us, not excepting yourself.’

‘Very much obliged to her, I am sure,’ said Netta, suddenly sitting up in bed, and forgetting her headache.  ’She needn’t trouble herself about me.  I fancy we are never likely to cross one another again, unless she chances to come a-begging to Abertewey, and then perhaps—­’

’And then perhaps you would give her a penny and send her on to starve.  Oh!  Netta, Netta, how were you ever my mother’s daughter?  But once for all, Netta, I will never hear one word spoken against Gladys. I at least am thankful that I still have a mother, and I owe it to her.’