It was with difficulty that Gladys could conclude, she was herself so affected by Netta’s sobs, and Minette’s innocent petition, but when they rose from their knees, Netta said, ’I have not really prayed before, Gladys, for a long time.  Will God ever forgive me?’ and Minette entreated Gladys ’to teach her prayers in English; she liked them so much better than in French.’

Gladys endeavoured to comfort the poor mother by passages from the Scripture, and promised the child ‘to teach her to pray,’ and so she helped to repay to her mother and grandmother the debt of gratitude she owed to her and her family.

CHAPTER XLII.

THE NIECE.

THE following day Mrs Jones came to see Netta, and to do her part in amusing her, and distracting her mind from Howel’s promised return.  Mr Jones also accompanied Rowland in the afternoon in his visit to his sister, and, the ice once broken, these kind and Christian people came, alternately with Miss Gwynne, daily, for about a week, during which period there had been no news of Howel, either public or private.  Mr Wenlock visited Netta regularly, but said there could be no improvement in her health, and comparatively little strengthening of the mind, until she could be removed to country air; this, however, she would not hear of, although she cried very much, and was painfully excited, when Rowland gave her a letter from her mother, entreating her to come to Glanyravon, and made her acquainted with the contents of a letter he had received from his father, which we will transcribe.

     GLANYRAVON FARM, October 9, 18—.

’MY DEAR SON,—­Your letter came duly to hand, and I will not deny that it affected me very much.  Netta, set up above her station at Abertewey, after disobeying her parents by running away, is very different from Netta, deserted by her scamp of a husband, and left in a poor London lodging.  Bring her home, and we will take care of her and her child, though I would rather lose a thousand pounds than have to see her as she is.  Mother wants to go up and nurse her, but as that would kill her, I don’t choose to let her go.  If you can’t bring her down, Owen shall fetch her.  I always said how it would all end.  Netta will believe me now it’s no good; but no need to tell her that.  I wish Howel the—­Well, I won’t say more, but remain your affectionate father, DAVID PROTHERO.’

Miss Gwynne was very anxious to tell Netta that Howel was supposed to be in America, and that it was well known he could not return; and at last Rowland took Mr Wenlock into full confidence and asked him whether it would be advisable to do so.  He said that he feared she would be frightened at first, and then consider it a ruse to get her away.  However, something must be done.  To tell her that her husband was a felon would kill her; and she would die if she remained in that close air.  He would think the matter over, and decide.