Page:My people stories of the peasantry of West Wales.djvu/239

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A BUNDLE OF LIFE


“You stink like an old sow, Nansi,” said Abram.

Nansi whimpered: “Don’t you be hard on me.”

“Dear me now,” Silas said, “do I not bear your old smell?”

“Ach y fi!” exclaimed Abram. “Move away. You stuff my nose.”

Nansi moved back.

“Dear, dear,” said Abram, “have I not prayed all the night then? The Big Man say you and Nansi must leave Penlon.”

Nansi breathed: “Abram, little Abram bach, you won't send us off away?”

“You are a drag on the place,” replied Abram. “Do not all speak about your mudlike ways, then? Every one got eleven pennies a pound for butter at Castellybryn on Friday; I got only ten pennies and three farthings. People said: ‘Who will eat old Nansi’s butter?’”

“Give him me a little bed alone in the barn loft, boy bach of God,” said Silas.

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