I am willing for either." "Indeed, lass," said Will, beginning to hedge, "I would almost think thou hadst found another sweetheart, only I know how seldom any other man comes across thy path, unless indeed Gethin the thief has stolen thy love from me.

Morva, dost love any other man ?" "Gethin is no thief," she answered hotly, "and thou knowest it as well as I do.

Thou knowest his nature; 'twould be impossible for him to do a mean thing." "Thou hast a high opinion of him," said Will scornfully.

"Is it he, then, who hast stolen thine heart ?" Morva walked with bent head, pulling at her apron-strings.
"I am not saying that," she answered, in a very low tone, "but I wish to be free, or marry thee soon." It was now Will's turn to be anxious.

The possibility of Morva's loving any other man had never before disturbed him, but now her words, her attitude, all impressed him with a strong suspicion, and a flame of anger and jealousy rushed through his veins.
"Free!" he said, "after all thy promises to me--free to marry another man! Is it that, Morva ?" and as he spoke his hot temper gathered strength.