Part 75 (2/2)

Inn at Mallwyd-A Dialogue-The _c.u.mro_.

I entered the inn and seeing a comely-looking damsel at the bar I told her that I was in need of supper and a bed. She conducted me into a neat sanded parlour where a good fire was blazing and asked me what I would have for supper. ”Whatever you can most readily provide,” said I; ”I am not particular.” The maid retired, and taking off my hat, and disenc.u.mbering myself of my satchel I sat down before the fire and fell into a doze, in which I dreamed of some of the wild scenes through which I had lately pa.s.sed.

I dozed and dozed till I was roused by the maid touching me on the shoulder and telling me that supper was ready. I got up and perceived that during my doze she had laid the cloth and put supper upon the table.

It consisted of bacon and eggs. During supper I had some conversation with the maid.

_Myself_.-Are you a native of this place?

_Maid_.-I am not, sir; I come from Dinas.

_Myself_.-Are your parents alive?

_Maid_.-My mother is alive, sir, but my father is dead.

_Myself_.-Where does your mother live?

_Maid_.-At Dinas, sir.

_Myself_.-How does she support herself?

_Maid_.-By letting lodgings to miners, sir.

_Myself_.-Are the miners quiet lodgers?

_Maid_.-Not always, sir; sometimes they get up at night and fight with each other.

_Myself_.-What does your mother do on those occasions?

_Maid_.-She draws the quilt over her head, and says her prayers, sir.

_Myself_.-Why doesn't she get up and part them?

_Maid_.-Lest she should get a punch or a thwack for her trouble, sir.

_Myself_.-Of what religion are the miners?

_Maid_.-They are Methodists, if they are anything; but they don't trouble their heads much about religion.

_Myself_.-Of what religion are you?

_Maid_.-I am of the Church, sir.

_Myself_.-Did you always belong to the Church?

_Maid_.-Not always. When I was at Dinas I used to hear the preacher, but since I have been here I have listened to the clergyman.

_Myself_.-Is the clergyman here a good man?

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