himney-pot hat not of the newest, his
black clerical coat uncovered by greatcoat or cloak, a strong knobbed
walking-stick in the right hand, while the finger and thumb of the left
hand were generally tightly closed on a pinch of snuff, well-shined
creaking shoes, completed the costume of the visitor, who was no other
than Mr. Price, the vicar of Castell On.

"I saw the children coming to the back door, and I am come with them,"
said the vicar as he entered, pointing with his stick to a queue of
children in the yard. "How do you do, Owens?" and he shook hands
warmly with the old man, who rose hurriedly to greet his visitor.

"Caton pawb, Mr. Price!" he said, flinging his remaining pence into the
yard, where the children scrambled for them. "Come in, sir, come in,"
and he opened the door of the best kitchen, where the rest of the
family were sitting in the glow of the culm fire.

Will started to his feet, exclaiming, "Mr. Price!" and for a moment he
hesitated whether to speak in English or in Welsh, but the visitor
settled the matter by adhering to his mother-tongue.

Ann rose, calm and dignified, and held out her hand without much
empressement. Mr. Price was a clergyman, and a little antagonism awoke
at once in her faithful bigoted heart.

"My husband," she said, pointing to Gwilym, who flung away his book and
came forward laughing.

"My dear girl," he said, "although Mr. Price and I work apart on
Sundays, we meet continually in the week, and need no introduction, I
think."

Mr. Price joined in the laugh, and shook hands warmly with the preacher
and Will, and the conversation soon flowed easily. Will's career was
the chief topic, the vicar appearing to take a personal interest in it,
which delighted the old man's heart.

"I am very glad, indeed," said the former, with his pinch of snuff held
in readiness, "to hear such a good account of you from my friend, the
dean," and he disposed of his snuff. "He wrote to me, knowing I was
particularly interested, and also that we are neighbours. He says,
'There is every reason to think your young friend will be an honour to
his father, and to his college, if he goes on as he has begun. I have
seldom had the privilege of imparting knowledge to one whose early
teaching presents such well prepared ground for cultivation. Who was
his tutor?' I have told him," added the vicar, "how much you owe to
your brother-in-law."

"It has been a pleasure to instruct Will," said