'There, mother, there's my mind,' said Mr Prothero, giving the note to his wife.
'Well, David, I believe you are right, only Netta is so determined!'
'Determined, is she! Then I'll lock her up. Take that to yon yellar-band, Owen.'
Owen took the note to the servant
'Tell your master that I am coming to see him this evening,' he said, and soliloquised thus when the man was gone. 'Howel is a good fellow, I believe, only a little extravagant and gay. I must tell him not to be down-hearted about Netta. Why, the girl isn't worth such a bother? I never saw one that was yet. It would take a great deal of time and trouble to work me up into that kind of thing—and at least a dozen girls. Netta's very pretty, to be sure, but she has a will of her own, and so has Howel. I am sure they would soon fight. As to father, he is as obstinate as a mule. And Howel with such a mint of money! But I like father's pride, and I must say I reel proud of him for it. I would never give in just because a man has suddenly got a fortune.'
When Owen had arrived at this conclusion, he perceived Netta coming towards him.
'What did that servant want, Owen?' she asked when she came quite near? 'and what were those two notes about?'
'I dare say you know, Miss Netta. It is all over with you for this present. Howel has popped the question, and father has refused him.'
If Owen had ever been really in love, he would have spoken less abruptly on such a delicate subject, as he found, when he saw Netta turn pale, then red, then burst into tears and run away from him into the house.
He followed her, somewhat distressed, to the door of her bedroom. He knocked gently, but received no answer.