“We haven't a morsel besides.”

There was a moment's silence.

The stranger spoke, in her curiously distinct, detached manner of one who must think her speech firSt. “Oh, then thank you very much. I am sorry that I have come to trouble you.”

She could not understand the entire lack of manners, was slightly puzzled. Any politeness would have made the situation quite impersonal.

But here it was a case of wills in confusion. Brangwen flushed at her polite speech. Still he did not let her go.

“Get summat an' wrap that up for her,” he said to Tilly, looking at the butter on the table.

And taking a clean knife, he cut off