“We never heard dear papa speak of a sister, or any relative,” answered Cadwgan.
“Dear me, sir, that is certainly very strange; because I happen to know of his having a sister, whom he loved very dearly.”
“Of her, ma’am,” replied the youth, “papa never spoke. I remember hearing him say, he had no one left in the world to care for, except dear mamma and us.”
“For the present we will say no more on the subject. But having driven many a long mile, my dears, since the morning, and still having a long journey before me, I must claim your hospitality for food for my servant and pony.”
“You are heartily welcome, ma’am, to partake of the best our house can afford,” replied the children. “Your servant will perhaps drive the pony into the yard, and he will find there our man servant who will attend to his wants.”
The lady then descended from her phaeton, and was conducted by the children into the house. During the time refreshments were being prepared she made a minute inspection of the parlour. When she had thoroughly surveyed it, and was about to take a rest on the sofa, she saw what appeared to be a picture, but the likeness was shut from view by a curtain of green baize which hung over and covered both the picture and frame. The lady’s curiosity was aroused, but just then she heard the footsteps of the servant and the children in the passage; but before they entered the room, she had succeeded in drawing aside the baize, and had a glimpse of the likeness beneath. When the children entered they perceived that the lady appeared slightly agitated, though, necessarily, they were wholly ignorant of its cause.
During the time she was engaged in partaking of the refreshments which had been provided her, she talked and chatted away on all manner of topics, but studiously avoided making any allusion to herself. She asked the children many questions about people in the neighbourhood, particularly about Mrs. Jones, of the Glen; her sons and daughters, if they were all married, and did they reside in the locality. She specially asked if young Squire Jones were still a bachelor.
The children gave their visitor an account of the several families she inquired for, and informed her that Mr. Jones was still single, that he resided at the Glen, and had succeeded to his uncle’s property, which brought in some £12,000 a year.
* * * * *
“And you never heard, my dears, your papa mentioning relatives either living or dead.”