"Well, how is he getting on?" said the old man, as Valmai entered blushing.
"Oh, all right, uncle! there isn't much of the fowl left, so I'm sure he enjoyed it."
"That's raight, may gel, that's raight. Now make him as comfortable as you can. May jar of tobacco is down there somewhere, and there's a bottle of whisky in the corner cupboard. Ay hear Jim Harris coming to the door; now don't disturb me any more, and tell Mr. Gwyn Ay'll be happy to see him tomorrow. Now, mind, no larks."
"No what?" said Valmai, with puckered eyebrows.
"Larks, larks! Don't you know what 'larks' are, child? Ay bet you do, with that pretty face of yours."
Valmai still looked puzzled.
"Well, 'high jinks,' then; flirtation, then; will that suit your ladyship?"
"Oh, flirtation! Very well, uncle, good-night." And after a kiss and another "good gel," Valmai passed Jim at the doorway, and went slowly downstairs.
Cardo stood at the bottom awaiting her with wide open arms.
"Come, come, Valmai; how slow you are, fanwylyd. I am waiting for you. What made you step so slowly down the stairs?" he said, as he drew her towards him; "you should have flown, dearest."