"Yes, indeed," said Valmai, "I shall be thankful for such a situation;
it is just what I would have chosen for myself, whatever."
"'Whatever' and 'indeed' so often is very Welshy, my love," said Mrs.
Power, with a sniff of disapproval.
"Yes, I am afraid, indeed," said the girl; "but you should have heard
me two years ago. I could scarcely speak any English then!"
"Well, my dear, I hope Gwladys won't catch your Welsh accent; but the
Merediths have it very strongly themselves."
"Oh! I hope they will like me," said Valmai. "I must not count my
chickens before they are hatched!"
But they were hatched, and in this matter everything turned out well
for Valmai.
The Merediths, who lived in an adjoining county, had for some time been
looking out for a companion for their eldest and invalid daughter.
They were delighted, therefore, when Mrs. Besborough Power's letter
arrived telling them of Gwladys's meeting with her twin-sister, and of
the latter's desire to find some situation of usefulness; and in less
than a month Valmai was domiciled amongst them, and already holding a
warm place in their regard.
Mifanwy opened her heart to her at once, and seemed every day to revive
under the influence of her bright companionship; and her parents,
delighted with the change which they began to perceive in their
daughter, heaped kindnesses and attention upon Valmai, who was soon
looked upon as one of the family; even Gwen and Winifred, the two
younger girls, taking to her in a wonderful manner.
Yes! Valmai was outwardly happy and fortunate. She hid from every eye
the sorrow which lay at the bottom of her heart like a leaden weight,
and little did those around her guess that every night, in the privacy
of her own room, she drew from her bosom a plain gold ring, and, laying
it on the bed before her, prayed over it with clasped hands and
streaming eyes.
Gwladys and she corresponded very regularly, and she frequently went to
Carne for a few days' change when Mifanwy was well enough to spare her;
always regretted by the whole family when she left, and warmly welcomed
when she returned.