Page:My people stories of the peasantry of West Wales.djvu/25

 A FATHER IN SION father, why for cannot I manage the house for you? Indeed now, you have given to Martha the position that belongs to me, your eldest daughter.”

“What mean you, my dear child?” returned Sadrach. “Cast you evil at your father? Turn you against him? Go you and read your Commandments.”

“People are whispering,” said Rachel. “They do even say that you will not be among the First Men of the Big Seat.”

“Martha is a gift from the Big Man,” answered Sadrach. “She has been sent to comfort me in my tribulation, and to mother you, my children.”

“Mother!” “Tut, tut, Rachel,” said Sadrach, “Martha is only a servant in my house.”

Rachel knew that Martha was more than a servant. Had not her transfer letter been accepted by Capel Sion, and did she not occupy Achsah's seat in the family pew? Did she not, when it was Sadrach's turn to 13