’Marry, Netta—­say the word.  I suppose Aunt Jonathan found out my talents and beauty after I acquired my fortune.’

After driving about ten miles they stop to change horses, and in the course of three or four hours arrive at the Swansea railway station, newly erected within the last few months.  The scene is equally new to Netta and Mrs Jenkins, and whilst Howel goes to take their tickets they stand wondering and admiring.  Neither of them has ever travelled by rail, and both are equally nervous at the prospect.  They are just in time for the express, and soon find themselves seated in a first-class carriage.  As it is a carriage of two compartments, Howel fastens the door between the two, draws down the blind, puts some coats on the fourth seat, and says they will now have it to themselves all the way to London.

Netta seizes his hand and screams when the steam whistle sounds, and his mother falls down upon him from the opposite seat He laughs aloud, and seems in such buoyant spirits that the women laugh too; and very soon Netta has quite forgotten her home, as with her hand clasped in Howel’s he unfolds to her his future plans and arranges hers.

’Deet, and this is like a sofa in a drawing-room.  I shall be asleep if I don’t take care,’ says Mrs Jenkins.

’The best thing you can do, mother.  I will awake you when we get to Reading, where the biscuits are made you used to sell, faugh! and be sure to show you Windsor Castle.’

Mrs Jenkins obeys her son’s wish, and is soon sleeping soundly.

Howel then gives Netta the following intelligence, which, as it interests her, we will hope may be interesting to her friends.

’The old gown you gave my mother, Netta, I sent to a celebrated house in town, and calling there the next day ordered a proper trousseau to be made for you.’

‘What’s a trousseau, Howel?’

’You little dunce.  Why, what we call a stafell without the household furniture.  So you will find a wedding dress and all kinds of dresses and garments without number awaiting you, for I gave the milliner carte blanche.’

‘What’s carte blanche, cousin?  You are become so grand.’

’Never mind—­white paper with two meanings.  And here is a present to begin with.’

Howel takes a leather case from his pocket and puts it into Netta’s hand.  She opens it, and sees a beautiful little gold watch and chain.

‘Oh, you dear, kind cousin, Howel!’ she cries; her eyes sparkling with delight.  ‘I have longed for one all my life.’

‘Will you go back again, Netta dear?’ asks Howel archly.

The watch and chain are duly put on, and then Howel continues,—­