But she came downstairs after luncheon was over, gay and bright in dress and person, and ready for any amount of frivolity.

Her countenance clouded over, when she heard how soon the party was to be broken up; but when Howel assured her he should be only a week absent, and that he would take her to town in June, it cleared again.
Owen took his leave of Abertewey the following morning.

Netta whispered 'Give my love to mother,' and had a very large tear in her black eye, as he walked away, the remembrance of which often haunted him in after days.

Howel told him to come again whenever he liked, and accompanied him as far as the lodge on his homeward journey.
When he reached Glanyravon, he found his mother prepared to receive him with joyful love.

His father came in soon after his return, and greeted him as he expected, with a very wrathful lecture, which he bore patiently, and to which he replied as follows:-- 'Thank you, father; I am much obliged to you for all your abuse, but I don't think I deserve it.