190 Turnaside Cottage.

 

persisted my friend the magistrate, as the committee
adjourned to another room for consultation. Pre-
sently the Squire returned to tell me that he quite
hoped we should come to an agreement, but that
they would let me know in the course of a few days.
So I departed, with good hopes of success.

I was too early for much chance of a lift from
Simon Williams as he returned ; but I did not fear
the walk, and was glad to escape his questions and
remarks. Musing on the new life lying before me,
and its responsibilities and labours, I passed through
the wide tract of wood, across the high moorland,
and came upon the well-known scenery about
Llangovan almost before I had thought it possible.
Instead of turning aside this time, I indulged the
strong desire that came upon me to visit my old
home, and passed down Turnaside lane to the old
cottage. How small and overgrown and desolate
it looked! The gateposts, the door, almost every
bit of wood about it, had been carried off for fire-
wood ; every pane of glass was broken, as it always
happens to every house, no matter where, that
stands empty ; and a wren fluttering about the
mouldy thatch was the only sign of life. But every
nook and corner was full of memories to me ; and
I wandered through the cowhouse and over the
garden, recalling scene after scene of my past life.