CHAPTER VII.

_THE LOST INHERITANCE REGAINED_.

The day previous to the return of Mr. Wynn and young Roberts to town, they went out alone for a stroll. They took the road leading to Pont Aberglaslyn, and as both gentlemen were excellent pedestrians, they soon arrived at that exquisitely beautiful glen. When on the bridge, they gazed in silence for some minutes on the dark mad water beneath. After some minutes' silence, Mr. Wynn asked his friend if he had previously visited the glen.

"Yes; I have been here once, Cadwgan."

"Don't you think it's a charming spot?"

"In my judgment, Cadwgan, this is the grandest scene in all Wales."

"Then you prefer it to Bettws-y-Coed?"

"I do. This place has a charm for me which that sylvan vale has not."

"So it has for me, my friend. The meandering river flowing down this valley, the high hills on either side of the glen, the stupendous and overhanging rocks, with a thousand different colours, foliage, trees, shrubs, and mosses, with grand old Snowdon in the distance: these, and early recollections and a.s.sociations, have rendered this place dearer to me than all other scenes in my dear native land. I am glad that our views of this delectable valley are identical, though I cannot convey to you the depth of my emotion in contemplating the scene."

"Cadwgan," replied Mr. Roberts, "the spot on which I now stand is as dear to me as my life. You have been my adviser, my counsellor, my friend-ay, more than a brother to me. Oh, advise me how to act! I confessed here to your sister my love, and offered her my hand and heart. I asked her to become mine; but oh, Cadwgan, she rejected my offer!"

"Did she, that is, my sister, give any reason for declining your offer?"

"Indeed she did not."

"Did she tell you she was engaged already?"

"Nay; she told me she was free."

"Did you ask her for an immediate answer?"

"Yes."

"What was her reply?"

"That she could not be mine."

"Then she gave you no other reason?"

"No, no, Cadwgan; but was not that enough? Since then I've been the most miserable of men. Oh, you must dissuade her from acting towards me so cruelly."

"I am glad, Roberts, my sister acted as she did, though I deeply regret the pain her refusal has occasioned you. I blame you for confessing your love, though I do not blame you for feeling admiration for my dear sister."

"I take it, Cadwgan, you are not favourable to my suit."

"So far from being unfavourable, my dear Roberts, I will confess to you that I know of no one whom I should so like to have for a brother as yourself."

"Then you are willing for me to renew my suit hereafter?"

"Most willing."

"But you have expressed your approval of your sister's rejection of my suit?"

"Yes."

"You are incomprehensible to me. Pray explain yourself, my dear Cadwgan."

"I'll do so in a few words. Before I can permit my dear sister to entertain your proposal, your father must be fully informed of your intention. His views of such an alliance might be very different from yours. He might wish you to marry the daughter of a wealthy city merchant, therefore he would regard your proposal as foolish and imprudent."

"Cadwgan, you do my dear father great injustice. He has an abundance of wealth. He would be the last man to make my marriage a matter of money speculation. I know better than you can his feelings, and am sure that, in a matter so momentous, his first consideration would be my happiness."

"I have no doubt but such are your father's feelings; still, as I am but a clerk in his establishment, I can't permit you to address my sister until his consent is given fully and freely."

"Well, knowing your high character and scruples, I must tell you that I have taken steps in order to antic.i.p.ate your objection."

"I hope you have not written Mr. Roberts?"

"Indeed I have, Cadwgan."

"I'm very sorry; you really should have waited."

"Nay, nay, I couldn't wait."

"Has your father replied?"

"Yes; his answer came this morning."

"I suppose he has ordered your immediate return home?"

"Oh no. I'm to stay another week if I like."

"Well, has he given you his consent for you to propose to my dear sister?"

"Yes; I have his hearty approval."

"Then my sister was not aware of this when you offered her your hand?"

"Certainly not. My father's letter came this morning."

"Have you informed her of your father's feeling in the matter?"

"No. I delayed doing so until I spoke to you."

"I'm glad you have kept the information from Gwenfan. But she must not be kept in ignorance longer than can be helped; and since you have opened your mind freely to me, I may as well tell you that at the proper time and after I have consulted your father, she is prepared to accept your hand. As her brother and guardian, I will then, my dear Roberts, give her to you. I know you will watch over her with the deepest affection and solicitude. In this matter I have only one request to make, which I am sure will be readily granted. Will you promise?"

"To me, dear friend, you will is law."

"My request is a simple one, namely, that your marriage be deferred for a time?"