He went so far as to venture upon a distant allusion to the future.
'I never thought those caps so becoming before, Aunt Jenkins,' he said, eyeing her from head to foot, and wondering that he had never previously been aware of what a good-looking woman his Welsh aunt was.
A Welsh aunt, be it understood, is your father or mother's cousin, and Mrs Jenkins and Mr Prothero were first cousins.
'Isn't Davies, Pennycoed, that you used to tell us was once a lover of yours, a widower ?' continued Owen.
'Well, Owen,' said Mrs Jenkins, not displeased, 'you are always for jokes, but I do mean never to marry again.' 'Don't make any rash vows; a young woman like you!' Here Netta having dried her eyes, joined the party, and shortly after Mr Prothero's voice was heard.
'After tea!' whispered Mrs Prothero to Mrs Jenkins, as she went out to meet her husband.

'Here's Elizabeth Jenkins, David, come over to see us, and she is going to stay to tea.

I think she wants to speak to you afterwards.' 'Very glad to see her; but Howel sha'n't have Netta a bit the more for that.' Mr Prothero put on a smart coat, brushed his hair, and came into the parlour, as became one about to meet a grand lady.
'How d'ye do, cousin 'Lizabeth?
Glad to see you looking so well; welcome to Glanyravon.' They shook hands, and as Mrs Jenkins made rather a grand attempt at a curtsey, Owen looked at Netta, and showed his white teeth; but Netta was as grave as a judge.
Mr Prothero was as much struck with the improvement in the widow's appearance as his son.
'Why, I declare, cousin 'Lizabeth, you look ten years younger than you did when I saw you last.

Do you mind when we two used to go nutting together?
If 'twasn't for my good 'ooman there--' 'I was just saying so, father,' interrupted Owen; 'don't you think Davies, Pennycoed--' 'I am not having no intentions of marrying again,' simpered the widow; 'wanst is enough.

My poor Griffey.' 'Quite right, cousin 'Lizabeth, wan Griffey is enough, in all conscience.' The best tea things were duly arranged; cakes hot from the oven buttered; the best green tea put into the best teapot, and all proper honour done to Mrs Jenkins, from which she augured well for her Howels.
As Shanno was very busy and very dirty, Mrs Prothero, during her preparations in the kitchen, was at a loss to know who was to wait if anything was wanted.