To the disgust of his more simple-minded neighbours, he had taken some large premises in Cheapside, where he displayed many fine stuffs for upholstering and drapery, where the new-fashioned Indian carpets were displayed to view, and fine gilded furniture from France, which a little later on became the rage all through the country.

His own house was now nothing more than a dwelling place for himself and his family; even his apprentices and workmen were lodged elsewhere.

The neighbours, used to simpler ways, shook their heads, and prophesied that the end of so much pride would be disaster and ruin.

But year after year went by, and the Master Builder grew richer and richer, and could afford to laugh at the prognostications of those about him, of which he was very well aware.
He was perhaps somewhat puffed up by his success.

He was certainly proud of the position he had made.