I subsequently learned that
Dinas was the head-quarters of miners, the neighbourhood abounding
with mines both of lead and stone. I was glad to leave it behind
me. Mallwyd is to the south of Dinas - the way to it is by a
romantic gorge down which flows the Royal Dyfi. As I proceeded
along this gorge the moon rising above Moel Vrith illumined my
path. In about half-an-hour I found myself before the inn at
Mallwyd.
CHAPTER LXXV
Inn at Mallwyd - A Dialogue - The Cumro.
I ENTERED the inn, and seeing a comely-looking damsel at the bar, I
told her that I was in need of supper and a bed. She conducted me
into a neat sanded parlour, where a good fire was blazing, and
asked me what I would have for supper. "Whatever you can most
readily provide," said I; "I am not particular." The maid retired,
and taking off my hat, and disencumbering myself of my satchel, I
sat down before the fire and fell into a doze, in which I dreamed
of some of the wild scenes through which I had lately passed.
I dozed and dozed till I was roused by the maid touching me on the
shoulder and telling me that supper was ready. I got up and
perceived that during my doze she had laid the cloth and put supper
upon the table. It consisted of bacon and eggs. During supper I
had some conversation with the maid.
MYSELF. - Are you a native of this place?
MAID. - I am not, sir; I come from Dinas.
MYSELF. - Are your parents alive?
MAID. - My mother is alive, sir, but my father is dead.
MYSELF. - Where does your mother live?
MAID. - At Dinas, sir.
MYSELF. - How does she support herself?
MAID. - By letting lodgings to miners, sir.
MYSELF. - Are the miners quiet lodgers?
MAID. - Not always, sir; sometimes they get up at night and fight
with each other.
MYSELF. - What does your mother do on those occasions?
MAID. - She draws the quilt over her head, and says her prayers,
sir.
MYSELF. - Why doesn't she get up and part them?
MAID. - Lest she should get a punch or a thwack for her trouble,
sir.
MYSELF. - Of what religion are the miners?
MAID. - They are Methodists, if they are anything; but they don't
trouble their heads much about religion.
MYSELF. - Of what religion are you?
MAID. - I am of the Church, sir.
MYSELF. - Did you always belong to the Church?
MAID. - Not always. When I was at Dinas I used to hear the
preacher, but since I have been here I have listened to the
clergyman.
MYSELF. - Is the clergyman here a good man?
MAID. - A very good man indeed, sir.
