nly not in as equable a frame of mind as his
outward demeanour would lead one to suppose. He was in a few moments
to meet face to face the man who of all others had interested him most
deeply, though his feeling towards him was almost akin to hatred. It
was a sore point at Garthowen that Ebben Owens' own brother had so
completely ignored his relationship with him; and Will's hopes of
success were greatly sweetened by the thought that in time he might
hold his head as high as his uncle's, and bring that proud man to his
senses; but to-day as he stood waiting at Mr. Price's door he called to
mind the necessity of hiding his feelings, and conciliating the great
man, who perhaps might have the power of helping him in the future.

When shown into the hall he heard voices within; the vicar's jovial
laugh, and a pleasant voice so like his own, that he was startled.

"Hallo! Owen, how do you do? so glad to see you," said the vicar in
English.

And the tall man who was standing by the window received him with an
equally pleasant greeting.

"My nephew, I am told. Well, to be sure, this makes me realise how old
I am getting."

"Nay, sir," said Will, "you are many years younger than my father."

The Rev. Dr. Owen looked over Will with secret surprise and
satisfaction. He had expected a raw country youth, his angles still
unrubbed off, his accent rough and Welshy, but Will was on his guard;
it was his strong point, and though the care with which he chose his
words was sometimes a little laboured and pedantic, yet they were
always well chosen and free from any trace of Welsh accent. Dr. Owen
was delighted; he had dreaded a meeting with his brother's uncouth
progeny, and had been rather inclined to resent the vicar's
interference in the matter, but when Will entered, well dressed, simple
and unaffected in manner, and yet perfectly free from gaucherie, a
long-felt uneasiness was set at rest, and the unexpected relief made
Dr. Owen affable and pleasant.

Will was relieved too. He had feared a haughty look, a contemptuous
manner, and dreaded lest his own hot temper might have refused to be
controlled.

The vicar was delighted; he felt his little plan had succeeded, and his
kind heart rejoiced in the prospective advantages which might accrue to
Will from his acquaintance with his uncle.

"And how is my brother Ebben?" said Dr. Owen. "Well, I hope. I am
ashamed to think how long it is since I have called to see him; but,