One evening, when the masons had laid by their tools for the night, the good vicar had a visitor. William Edwards desired to see the Rev. John Smith most particularly.
HE FOUND MR. MORRIS SEATED AT THE TABLE AS WELL AS
THE VICAR.—See page 245.
To his surprise, when he was ushered into the low-ceiled parlour, he found Mr. Morris seated at the table as well as the vicar, evidently examining a number of geological specimens by the light of a couple of candles.
William had met Mr. Morris several times of late chipping at rocks with a hammer, but did not expect to meet with him there, and could have dispensed with his presence.
'Well, Edwards, what is your business?' asked the vicar after the first salutations. 'You need not hesitate to speak out; Mr. Morris is as much your friend as I am. What is it? Anything concerning the fine mill you are erecting?'
'No, sir, it do be concerning the farm—and Mr. Pryse.'
The gentlemen exchanged glances across the table. The change in William's frank voice and manner had not been lost on them.
William laid his grandfather's will open before the vicar.