must ask Davy my brother, to
lend me the money until I have sold those yearlings."

Not having the moral courage to open his mind to his son, he allowed
the subject to drift on in the dilatory fashion characteristic of his
nation; and as time went on, he began to allude to the coming glories
of Llaniago in a manner which soothed Will's irritation, and made him
think that the old man, on reconsideration, was as usual becoming
reconciled to his son's plans. As a matter of fact, Ebben Owens was
endeavouring to adjust his ideas to those of his son, solving the
difficulties which perplexed him by mentally referring to "Davy my
brother," or "those yearlings."

Will also took refuge, as a final resource, in the thought of his rich
uncle, the Rev. Dr. Owen, of Llanisderi, who, through marriage with a
wealthy widow, had in a wonderfully short time gained for himself
preferment, riches, and popularity.

"I will stoop to ask Uncle Davy to help me," he thought, "rather than
put it off;" but he kept his thoughts to himself, hoping still that his
father would relent, for he considered the want of funds was probably a
mere excuse for keeping him longer at home.

It had been very easy, one day a month earlier, when, sitting in the
barn together, they had talked the matter over, for Ebben Owens to make
any number of plans and promises, for he had just sold two large ricks
of hay, and had placed the price thereof in the bank. He was,
therefore, in a calm and contented frame of mind, and in the humour to
be reckless in the matter of promises. The whole country side knew how
good-natured he was, how ready to help a friend, very often to his own
detriment and that of his family; he was consequently very popular at
fair and market. Everybody brought his troubles to him, especially
money troubles; and although Ebben Owens might at first refuse
assistance, he would generally end by opening his heart and his
pockets, and lending the sum required, sometimes on good security,
sometimes on bad, sometimes on none at all but his creditors' word of
honour, whose value, alas! was apt to rise or fall with the tide of
circumstances. He had many times given his own word of honour to his
anxious daughter, that he would never again lend his money or "go
security" for his neighbours without consulting his family; but over
the first blue of beer, at the first fair or market, he had been unable
to withstand the pleadings of some impecunious friend.