Cymro a'r Celt Llundain

MYFANWY. I met Myfanwy in the Park one bright summer evening. There was just that feel- ing of crispness in the air which renders that delightful spot particularly enjoyable at this time of the year. "Just as beautiful as ever," I observed, pleasantly, as 1 raised my hat, k' and as well ? I hopefully added. "Quite, thanks," she smiled, as she ex- tended a neatly gloved little hand. Then, apparently referring to my former observa- tion, continued, thoughtfully: "I fancy I have heard that before somewhere. Now, let me see, it was not at the Haymarket, nor "— "Never mind where," I interrupted, some- what annoyed at the insinuation, "it is quite true, anyway." Myfanwy has an exasperating habit of imagining most of my choicest bon mots the result of surreptitious plagiarism-a fact which irritates me considerably. I have tried to establish my innocence of the unjust accusation but, after several conflicts with her on the point, I have ceased protesting. You cannot argue with Myfanwy. You were on your way to the band- stand?" I asked, enquiringly breaking the silence. The music could be faintly heard in the distance as the sounds swelled lazily in our direction. I fancied I recognised a few bars of an old Welsh love song, or, perhaps after all, it was only imagination. I feel like that at times when Myfanwy is near. She nodded her head in answer to my question, and with a muttered apology for thrusting my. presence on her, I took my place by her side, and we strolled in the direction of the music. If you promise to be very good," she replied, with marked emphasis, half in answer to my apology, and raising her eye- brows significantly (Myfanwy has ripping eyebrows, by the way), "you may come just this once." Thank you so much," I said, gratefully, I hereby solemly promise to be as good as the proverbial saint." We walked leisurely down one of the numerous paths which lead to the bandstand, and one which I carefully selected for its loneliness. Talking about pretty eyes," I remarked, absently, after walking in silence for some time. We were not," she corrected. "Well, thinking about them," I said, looking hard at her. She blushed as she lowered her eyes, and I noticed the dark shadows of her long lashes as they chased each other bewitchingly across her dainty cheeks. Please don't be silly," she pointed, rather annoyed at her embarrassment, and a comical little frown wrinkled her white brow. It is not silly," I stoutly denied, I was just about to make a perfectly true remark concerning the beauty of "— Please don't be so absurd," she protested, stamping her little foot, You know you promised to be good." There was a painful silence while I raked' my brains for suitable subjects of conversa- tion. Personalities were barred, and I loathe discussing anything else with Myfanwy. I delight to rave about the graceful poise of her head, the rosy colour of her rounded cheeks, and the flash of her wonderful eyes but just as I wax eloquent on my subject, she pulls me up abruptly and advises me not to be absurd. This is decidedly discouraging. "Very well, then," I answered gloomily, after a painful silence, I warn you I shall discuss the weather, or the new theology, or some other tiresome topic. My favourite subject is barred, and"— "I wonder what is the matter with you this evening," she reflected, turning those lovely eyes perplexedly on me, and examin- ing every feature critically I don't believe you are quite well." Never felt better in my life," I cheerfully replied as I filled out my chest to its full complement of 45i- inches. Sue was visibly 2 impressed. But stay," I cried, as a sudden thought struck me, my heart," I said, with marked feebleness of voice, as I hastily reduced the measurement of my waistcoat. I placed my hand painfully on that side of my anatomy, and halted in my walk. "My heart," I repeated, gravely, gives me no end of anxiety these days." I watched her face narrowly, and she seemed half sympathetic. I took a casual look around. Nobody was in sight, so that I could act with perfect freedom. Palpitation, I think," I resumed, omin- ously, taking advantage of her womanly nature. She appeared quite uneasy. "It jumps aboutfuriously at odd moments," I ruthlessly continued, and chuckled silently as I marked her growing alarm, I breathed harder and more painfully. I—am—afraid," I continued, slowly and impressively," it—is—coming—on—again and I supported myself against the railings for better effect. I groaned significantly as I screwed my face into a horrible grimace suitable to the occasion, and almost laughed aloud as I noted, with keen enjoyment, the startled expression my words had wrought. She was visibly distressed and considerably subdued. It was so easy, too The haughty lady of a few moments ago had disappeared, and in her place stood a meek and terribly startled little miss, all concern for my well being Oh, dear she wailed, with a bewildered little catch in her voice, I do hope it is not serious ? "I am afraid it is," I sighed, miserably, and my sides shook suspiciously as I saw her wince. And the agonising pity is," I moaned in despair, only one person can cure me," and I looked boldly at her perplexed little face. How terrible! she sighed, with the suspicion of a tear in her sigh, I am so sorry for you." "Thank you," I murmured, "your sym- pathy is so soothing-and encouraging. Let me see," I reflected aloud, what philosopher informed the world that pity was akin to love? Please don't joke," she interrupted, distractedly, this is too serious a time." I cruelly watched her face as it lit up with deep emotion. Quick," she whispered, hurriedly, who is this person that can cure you ? Do I know him ? she added innocently, her large eyes looking tearfully into mine. I felt half sorry for her, but reflected the lesson might do her good. The tears were now danger- ously near, and her eyes seemed to grow larger and more beautiful. How I longed to end the farce Myfanwy has splendid eyes (I think I made this remark before, but it is of no con- sequence). Such eyes, I reflected, as I looked into their magic depth, must have inspired Ceiriog to proclaim with no fear of contra- diction- Ond y llygaid duon hardd Yw'r iasau byw sy'n drysu'r bardd Do I know him ? she repeated, anx- iously, breaking into my dreams. You know her," I answered, with the correct emphasis. We were now drawing perilously near the bandstand, and the crowds around it would be decidedly embarrassing. I determined to act promptly. Myfanwy," I pleaded, as I threw away hypocrisy and flung to the winds all vows of promised goodness. Myfanwy," I repeated, remembering my poets Thy name the echoing valleys round, Thy name a thousand hills resound. Myfanwy Fychan, maid divine No name so musical as thine! 1ou are the innocent cause of this excruci- ating malady, and you alone," I passionately breathed, can cure it! "So, indeed!" she exclaimed, as she swung an indignant back on me. I stood by, timidly silent, while my heart throbbed nervously. Of course," she continued, coldly-and the little chin rose warningly in the air—"if you— think—you—can — deceive — me — so easily "— For the third time," I went on, doggedly, heedless of the threatened storm. For the third and last time (with emphasis) will you 113 my wife, Myfanwy ? "For the twenty-third," she snapped, with feminine precision aid her chin descended an inch. I would make it the 203rd if you would only say 'Yes,' Myfanwy," I pleaded earnestly. We had stopped in our walk. Her head was turned away from me, but I could see she was not displeased. The sun was slowly descending in a radiant glow in the west, and the crimson gleams of its fading rays lit up the tree tops in the distance and painted them a dazzling copper-hue. It was a veritable sunset, seen too seldom in London, alas The dulcet strains of the music floated dreamily towards us, and my soul imagined it was a heavenly rendering of that delight- ful melody, Yr Aderyn Pur." How beautiful are the trees," she murmured dreamily, after a tense silence. Hang the trees, I am waiting for my answer," I persisted, impatiently. You are very rude! she retorted, measuring six feet of impatient manhood with her eye. Why," she remarked, irrele- vantly, and with an attempt to evade the issue, as her gaze rested on my collar, "what ever made you select so peculiar a tie ? She was apparently surprised, and I felt rather,gratified with my choice. My taste in neck wear is generally considered exquisite. "You don't see many like this about," I answered, proudly, drawing myself up. Thank goodness, no she agreed, with a roguish twinkle in her eye as she caught me napping. Anyway," I retorted, somewhat crushed, it but furnishes another proof of my incompetence to look after myself." "One of your favourite little shop girls could help you in that respect," she suggested, mockingly. "Perhaps so, but I know of someone better," I persisted, eyeing her again. And that waistcoat needs brushing," she added, critically, and again evading my question. More proof," I argued, of the abject misery of bachelordom." I assumed a look of dismal incompetence. Poor boy, perhaps after all you are rather neglected," she wispered, relentingly. Then you say Yes?' I asked eagerly. Well-not exactly," she laughed, tortur- ing me in the usual feminine way. Besides," she continued, suddenly remembering my hypocrisy, and holding me at arm's length. "I don't believe your heart was one bit bad Well," I replied, cheerfully, as I boldly drew her to my side, it certainly is much better now, thank you And then we listened to the March of the Men of Harlech."