Page:My people stories of the peasantry of West Wales.djvu/255

 “But say you've seen Esther fach!” Sam cried.

“Twt, twt!” said Bertha Daviss. “What’s the matter with the boy? Take him in your arms, Catrin, and take him to your bed.”

“Speak you Esther is not drowned,” Sam urged.

“Drowned!” Catrin repeated loudly. “Good if the bad concubine is.” “Evil is the wench,” said Bertha Daviss. “Remember how she tried to snare Rhys Shop.” “Fond little women,” Sam cried, “say you that Esther fach is not drowned.”

“Sam, indeed to goodness,” Bertha said to him, “trouble not your mind about a harlot.”

“Now, dear me,” answered Sam, “foolish is your speech, Bertha. How shall I come home without Esther?” “There's Catrin, Sam bach. Owe you