Vavasour. No, but I do, an' to think I've been unkind to her! I've tried this year to make up for it, but 'tis no use, lad; one year'll never make up for ten of harsh words, whatever. Ow! [Groaning, Vavasour collapses on to the settle and rocks to and fro, moaning aloud.]
Eilir Morris [mystified]. Well, ye've not been good to her, Uncle, that's certain; but ye've been different the past year.
Vavasour [sobbing]. Aye, but a year'll not do any good, an' she'll be dyin' at twelve to-night. Ow! I've turned to the scriptures to see what it says about a man an' his wife, but it'll no do, no do, no do!
Eilir Morris. Have ye been drinkin', Uncle?
Vavasour [hotly]. Drinkin'!
Eilir Morris. Well, indeed, no harm, but, Uncle, I cannot understand why Aunt Kats's goin' an' where.
Vavasour [rising suddenly from the settle and seizing Eilir by the coat lapel]. She's goin' to leave me, lad; 'tis Allhallows' Eve whatever! An' she'll be dyin' at twelve. Aye, a year ago things were so bad between us, on Allhallows' Eve I went down to the church porch shortly before midnight to see whether the spirit of your Aunt Kats would be called an'—
Eilir Morris. Uncle, 'twas fair killin' her!
Vavasour. I wanted to see whether she would live the twelve months out. An' as I was leanin' against the church wall, hopin', aye, lad, prayin' to see her spirit there, an' know she'd die, I saw somethin' comin' 'round the corner with white over its head.
Eilir Morris [wailing]. Ow—w!