Morva, frightened and wondering, returned to bed, and if the early hours of the night had been disturbed and restless, those which followed were still more so.
What could it mean? What could Gethin want in Gwilym's room? She had thought it was a thief, and if not a thief what was the meaning of those stealthy footsteps and the opening of the drawer? and full of unrest she lay awake listening to the ticking of the clock, and to Tudor's continued howling. Should she wake Ann? No! for Gethin had evidently desired secrecy, and she would not be the one to frustrate his intentions, for whatever might be the object of his secret visit to the preacher's room, she never doubted but that it was right and honourable.
All night she lay in troubled thought, rising many times to look through the ivy-framed window towards the eastern brow of the slopes. At length the pale dawn drew near, and Morva slept a heavy dreamless sleep, which lasted till Ann called her for the churning.
[1] Cowhouse.
CHAPTER XII
SARA'S VISION
"Morva, lass," said Ann, "what's the matter to-day? No breakfast; after thy work at the churn, too?"
"Well, indeed," said Morva, "I drank so much butter milk that I don't want much breakfast."
"Come, lass," said Ebben Owens, "hard work wants good feeding."
"Well," said Ann, "you are not eating much yourself. Did you sleep well, father?"