 the first that
Martin, however respectable his knowledge, was far from possessing the
scientific mind, and each conversation had supplied him with proofs of this
defect; it was not at all in the modern spirit that the man of threescore years
pursued his geological and kindred researches, but with the calm curiosity of a
liberal intellect which has somehow taken this direction instead of devoting
itself to literary study. At bottom, Godwin had no little sympathy with Mr.
Warricombe; he too, in spite of his militant instincts, dwelt by preference amid
purely human interests. He grasped with firm intelligence the modes of thought
which distinguish scientific men, but his nature did not prompt him to a
consistent application of them. Personal liking enabled him to subdue the
impulses of disrespect which, under other circumstances, would have made it
difficult for him to act with perfection his present part. None the less, his
task was one of infinite delicacy. Martin Warricombe was not the man to unbosom
himself on trivial instigation. It must be a powerful influence which would
persuade him to reveal whatever self-questionings lay beneath his genial good
breeding and long-established acquiescence in a practical philosophy. Godwin
guarded himself against his eager emotions; one false note, one syllable of
indiscretion, and his aims might be hopelessly defeated.
    »Yes,« was his reply to the hesitating question. »He argues strenuously
against the descent of man. If I understand him, he regards the concession of
this point as impossible.«
    Martin was deep in thought. He held a paper-knife bent upon his knee, and
his smooth, delicate features wore an unquiet smile.
    »Do you know Hebrew, Mr. Peak?«
    The question came unexpectedly, and Godwin could not help a momentary
confusion, but he covered it with the tone of self-reproach.
    »I am ashamed to say that I am only now taking it up seriously.«
    »I don't think you need be ashamed,« said Martin, good-naturedly. »Even a
mind as active as yours must postpone some studies. Reusch, I suppose, is sound
on that head?«
    The inquiry struck Godwin as significant. So Mr. Warricombe attached
importance to the verbal interpretation of the Old Testament.
    »Distinctly an authority,« he replied. »He devotes whole chapters to a
minute examination of the text.«
    »If you had more leisure,« Martin began, deliberately, when he had again
reflected, »I should be disposed to urge you to undertake that translation.«
    Peak appeared to meditate.
    »Has the book been used
