[[3]] Certainly.
[[4]] A hundred thanks.
[[5]] A small kind of anthracite rubble mixed with clay and water, which, made into oval balls, burn slowly, but with a fierce bright glow.
[[6]] Good-night.
CHAPTER IV.
GWEN'S "BIDDING."
Gwen and Siencyn had been married in the morning with much fluttering of ribbons and firing of guns. The Speedwell, at anchor in the bay, gaily bedecked with pennons and flags, was to sail away for Ireland with the evening tide, bearing the happy Siencyn and his bride on their honeymoon voyage. Each having a frugal mind, meant to combine business with pleasure, and, therefore, were to carry with them in the hold a cargo of slates. But a more important function even than the wedding was to take place in the afternoon, namely, "the bidding." A week before, the invitations had been sent out—two men of substantial standing in the village having, in the usual fashion, volunteered to leave the "bidding" letters at every farm or cottage in the parish. They were printed in the same formula, as they had borne for generations, and were as follows:—
"DEAR FRIENDS,—As it is our intention to enter the matrimonial state, we are encouraged by our friends to make a 'bidding,' which will be held on Monday, the 28th inst., at our own house in Mwntseison, in the parish of Abersethin. Your agreeable company on the occasion is humbly solicited; and whatever donation you may be pleased to confer on us then will be gratefully received, and repaid whenever called for.
"We are, dear friends,
"Your obedient servants,
"SIENCYN OWEN,
"GWEN HUGHES.