 the
Misses Lumb, who of course held that any sacrifice was justifiable with such a
motive, and who suggested a hope that, by the instrumentality of Lady Whitelaw,
a curacy might easily be obtained as soon as Godwin was old enough. But several
years must pass before that Levitical stage could be reached; and then, after
all, perhaps the younger boy, Oliver, placid of temper and notably pliant in
mind, was better suited for the dignity of Orders. It was lamentable that Godwin
should have become so intimate with that earth-burrowing Mr. Gunnery, who
certainly never attended either church or chapel, and who seemed to have imbued
his pupil with immoral theories concerning the date of creation. Godwin held
more decidedly aloof from his aunt, and had been heard by Charlotte to speak
very disrespectfully of the Misses Lumb. In short, there was no choice but to
discover an opening for him in some secular pursuit. Could he, perhaps, become
an assistant teacher? Or must he go into an office?
    No common lad. A youth whose brain glowed like a furnace, whose heart
throbbed with tumult of high ambitions, of inchoate desires; endowed with
knowledge altogether exceptional for his years; a nature essentially militant,
displaying itself in innumerable forms of callow intolerance - apt, assuredly,
for some vigorous part in life, but as likely as not to rush headlong on
traverse roads if no judicious mind assumed control of him. What is to be done
with the boy?
    All very well, if the question signified, in what way to provide for the
healthy development of his manhood. Of course it meant nothing of the sort, but
merely: What work can be found for him whereby he may earn his daily bread? We -
his kinsfolk even, not to think of the world at large - can have no concern with
his growth as an intellectual being; we are hard pressed to supply our own
mouths with food; and now that we have done our recognised duty by him, it is
high time that he learnt to fight for his own share of provender. Happily, he is
of the robust sex; he can hit out right and left, and make standing-room. We
have armed him with serviceable weapons, and now he must use them against the
enemy - that is to say, against all mankind, who will quickly enough deprive him
of sustenance if he fail in the conflict. We neither know, nor in great measure
care, for what employment he is naturally marked. Obviously he cannot heave
coals or sell dogs' meat, but with negative certainty not
