It was said innocently, and Hugh knew it was; but a deep flush overspread his face as he turned to the other girl, and offered her the same help.
"The same log will do for both," he said.
"Oh, no need," said Gwen, with a slight sneer in her voice, as much as she dared show the Mishteer; "of course this corner is lighter than the other."
As Hugh passed on to another set of workers, she looked after him with a slowly dawning perception in her eyes.
"He is very kind to thee," she said, looking at Gwladys under her half-closed lids; "what has come over him?"
"Wel, indeed, he is always kind, isn't he? even to his dogs. See how that little half-drowned dog wags his tail when he passes."
Gwen did not answer; but as her companion proceeded with her work she looked at her furtively from time to time with hatred and jealousy in her eyes.
The afternoon found them again at their work. Gwen had had time, while she drank her cawl and ate her barley bread at dinner, to arrange her ideas.
"Art coming to my wedding on Monday?" she asked carelessly.
"Oh, anwl, of course! Thee'st asked me and mother, and we are coming."