Page 104 (1/2)

A bitter north wind, laden with sleet and rain, blew over Abersethin

Bay, tearing the surface into streaks of foarassy slope which bordered the sandy beach, and

weighted with heavy stones The cottage doors were all closed, and if

a stray pedestrian was anywhere to be seen, he was hurrying on his way,

his hands in his pockets and his cap tied firmly under his chin On

the cliffs above, the wind swirled and rushed, blowing the grass all

one way and sweeping over the stunted thorn bushes In the corners

under the hedges, the cows and horses sheltered in little groups, and

the few gaunt trees which grew on that exposed coast groaned and

creaked as they bent away from the storh every chink and

cranny, roaring and whistling round the bare gray house, rattling the

doors and ith every angry gust In the little parlour at the

back of the house it was not heard so plainly A bright fire burned in

the grate, and the criave it a look of warmth and

co in

his arreat

interest to Valion" The tale was of love and chivalry, and it should have

interested the girl more than it did the old hts refused to follow the thread of the story