Blair Collection > Rhys Lewis, minister of Bethel

IIHYS LEWIS. 385
of you because of your youth. We expect to see you over in
a few weeks, when we shall discuss the matter further. Until
then, wishing you every success, and with kind regards, — Yours
on behalf of the church,
David Davis, ")
ALEXANDER Phillips, [ Deacons.
(Eos PrydainJ, )
I tossed the letter across the table to "Williams, whose joy on
reading it I shall never forget. I am certain he could not have
manifested greater delight if some one had left him an estate.
The call to the pastorate of the church I was brought up in was
as unexpected an event as could have happened. I took it as
a great compliment to myself, and, but for the other letter to
which I have referred, would have regarded this one as a sub-
ject of rejoicing also. But, bracketed with that letter, it was
very sad news for me, and brought on an attack of my old
enemy— lowness of spirits. I sent word at once to my old
friends, David Davis and "Eos Prydain," thanking them for
their kind letter and adding that I should be returning home in
a few weeks' time. After doing so, I said to my companion :
" "Williams, don't mention this to the boys or anybody else;
because on no consideration can I accept the call,"
" Don't talk nonsense," he returned. "I'll mention it to
all I come across. "What's the matter with you ? Are you off
your head ? Not accept what you were most wishing for ! I
used to think you couldn't bounce."
When he and I were playful, we "thee'd and "thou'd"
each other ; but always when we spoke seriously it was " you "
and " yourself." That morning Williams was joyous, I sad.
" You know the story of the skeleton in the cupboard," I
observed. " 1, too, have a tale which I cannot unfold, even to
j-ou. Possibly I shall tell it some day, but not now. I am
dispirited and sad ; and I know you would like to share my
bui'den with me, but it can't be to-day. The fact is, I must go
away for two or three days, and that without delay."
" My dear fellow," said Williams, feelingly, for he had a
very tender heart ; "you are telling me nothing new. I have
known for some time there was a concealed bitterness about
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