 was at first lost without
the companionship of Godwin Peak; he forsook his studies, and fell into a state
of complete idleness which naturally fostered his tendency to find solace in the
decanter. With Earwaker, he could not talk as unreservedly as with Peak, but on
the other hand there was a tonic influence in the journalist's personality which
he recognised as beneficial. Earwaker was steadily making his way in the world,
lived a life of dignified independence. What was the secret of these strong,
calm natures? Might it not be learnt by studious inspection?
    »How well you look!« Christian exclaimed, on entering. »We enjoyed your
Provençal letter enormously. That's a ramble I have always meant to do. Next
year perhaps.«
    »Why not this? Haven't you got into a dangerous habit of postponement?«
    »Yes, I'm afraid I have. But, by-the-bye, no news of Peak, I suppose?«
    Earwaker related the story he had heard from Malkin, adding:
    »You must remember that they met only once in London; Malkin might very well
mistake another man for Peak.«
    »Yes,« replied the other musingly. »Yet it isn't impossible that Peak has
gone over there. If so, what on earth can he be up to? Why should he hide from
his friends?«
    »Cherchez la femme,« said the journalist, with a smile. »I can devise no
other explanation.«
    »But I can't see that it would be an explanation at all. Grant even -
something unavowable, you know - are we Puritans? How could it harm him, at all
events, to let us know his whereabouts? No such mystery ever came into my
experience. It is too bad of Peak; it's confoundedly unkind.«
    »Suppose he has found it necessary to assume a character wholly fictitious -
or, let us say, quite inconsistent with his life and opinions as known to us?«
    This was a fruitful suggestion, long in Earwaker's mind, but not hitherto
communicated. Christian did not at once grasp its significance.
    »How could that be necessary? Peak is no swindler. You don't imply that he
is engaged in some fraud?«
    »Not in the ordinary sense, decidedly. But picture some girl or woman of
conventional opinions and surroundings. What if he resolved to win such a wife,
at the expense of disguising his true self?«
    »But what an extraordinary idea!« cried Moxey.
