Howel knew well how to assume a manner that should add force to the feelings he expressed, and rarely did he employ his powers of persuasion in vain, particularly with the fair sex, never with his cousin, to whom he was really attached, and who was wholly devoted to him.
'Netta,' he added, in a low, sad voice, 'I fear, after all, you do not love me, and I have very few who care for me in this world.'
'Do not say this, cousin,' sobbed Netta, 'you know I always promised--I always said--I--I--will do anything in the world you wish me, cousin Howel.'
'Yes, I will not care for any one but you.'
'Thank you, dear Netta; now I know that we shall be happy, and you shall have everything you can desire.'
'Stop, cousin; I shall not marry you because you are rich, or great, or likely to be as grand as other people--though I should like to put them down, just as well as you--but because we have loved each other ever since we were little children, and I could not care for any one else--not even if Sir Hugh Pryse were to ask me.'
'You are a good, kind, little cousin, Netta; but what can you mean about Sir Hugh?'
Netta tossed her head, and looked vain-glorious.
'Oh, I dined at Glanyravon on Thursday, and the Rice Rices, and Nugents, and Sir Hugh were there; and Sir Hugh was very attentive to me, and said a great many things to me. And he has been at our house since, and has met me in the road, and been as polite as possible.'
'But he is desperately in love with Miss Gwynne, or her fortune; so you need not alarm yourself, my little cousin.'
'You need not alarm _yourself_, you ought to say,' and Netta again tossed her head.
'Well, I am not jealous. Sir Hugh, with his loud voice, vulgar manners, and stupid fat face, could not light a candle to me, and as to his title, I will back my fortune against that.'
'It sounds very grand to be called my lady.' Netta said this to pique her cousin, and she succeeded; but she did not expect to provoke the storm that she raised. The dark brow lowered, and he said,--
'Netta, I am in no mood to be trifled with. If you wish to be 'my lady,' take Sir Hugh, if he will have you; but I go halves with nobody. Now is the time to resolve; I shall never ask you again; and whatever your opinion may be upon the subject, I consider that I do you as great honour in asking you to be my wife, as if there were fifty Sir Hughs at your feet.'