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.