Gladys answered the door to the thundering double-knock that resounded through the house, and was quite taken aback when she saw who the visitor was.
'Is Mrs Prothero at home, young 'ooman ?' asked Mrs Jenkins in a grand tone of voice.
'My mistress is very ill, ma'am,' said Gladys.
'Ill! Since when ?' 'Ever since Miss Netta left, ma'am.' 'Do Mr Prothero be in the house, or Mr Owen ?' 'They are out harvesting, ma'am.' 'Tell you Mrs Prothero that I do bring message from Mrs Howel Jenkins for her, and that I was promising to give it myself.' Gladys did not know what to do.

She felt sure that Mr Prothero would not admit Mrs Jenkins under his roof, and that her mistress would be afraid to do so; however, she ventured to ask her to come in and wait a little time whilst she sent for Mr Owen.

Fortunately, Owen was not far from the house, and Mr Prothero was riding to some distant part of his farm, so Gladys left Mrs Jenkins to Owen, and went upstairs to tell Mrs Prothero that she was in the house.

Mrs Prothero was greatly agitated, but declared that she would see her at all risks, and tell her husband that she had done so.

She begged Gladys to remain in the room during the visit, and to prevent a meeting between Mrs Jenkins and Mr Prothero.
Gladys went downstairs again, and found Owen telling Mrs Jenkins what he thought of Howel's and her own conduct.
'My mistress would like to see you, ma'am,' said Gladys.
'I'm thinking I 'ont go near her now, you, Owen, have been so reude.' 'Oh, for that much, you may do as you please, Aunt 'Lizbeth.