''Deed, William said it was best make the house complete at first, and show what we could do. Until it be wanted it will serve to keep my best timber dry and safe.'
'But you do not be noticing how solid and substantial are the walls.' This to Mrs. Edwards.
'Yes, yes, sure I do! And I pray God to prosper the work of both your hands.'
'Amen!' came with fervour from both young fellows, and had a loud echo from the peat-cutter in the rear.
There were not lacking turned-up noses or sneering comments on the presumption of two untried beginners setting out so pretentiously; but to them the substantial building with its two floors was as a modern manufacturer's pattern-card, and brought commissions to one or both.
And it frequently happened that the two were engaged to work together, certainly whenever Robert Jones had a chance to put in a word.
Long before Thomas Williams had his house set in order, or its wooden fittings complete, the vicar paid him a visit of inspection, and with him a gentleman he addressed as Mr. Morris. And a very close inspection the latter made, sounding and measuring the walls and trying the cement.
'Good workmanship—extremely good workmanship,' said he; 'but I expected no other from the boy. I shall recommend him.'
His opinion or his recommendation must have been worth something, for, very shortly, William Edwards was called upon to erect another two-floored house of even larger dimensions, nearer to Caerphilly and to the farrier's shed where he had graduated in masonry.
Previously to that, as they walked home, arm in arm together, after that Sunday view of the new workshop, Rhys had laid before him the latest impediment their mother had thrown in the way of his marriage. It was something new for him to take counsel with William.