 of the College were only
a part of their existence. These young men were either preparing for the
University, or would pass from Whitelaw to business, profession, official
training; in any case, a track was marked out for them by the zealous care of
relatives and friends, and their efforts would always be aided, applauded, by a
kindly circle. Some of them Godwin could not but admire, so healthful were they,
so bright of intellect, and courteous in manner, - a type distinct from any he
had formerly observed. Others were antipathetic to him. Their aggressive
gentility conflicted with the wariness of his self-esteem; such a one, for
instance, as Bruno Chilvers, the sound of whose mincing voice, as he read in the
class, so irritated him that at times he had to cover his ears. Yet, did it
chance that one of these offensive youths addressed a civil word to him, on the
instant his prejudice was disarmed, and his emotions flowed forth in a response
to which he would gladly have given free expression. When he was invited to meet
the relatives of Buckland Warricombe, shyness prepossessed him against them; but
the frank kindness of his reception moved him, and on going away he was ashamed
to have replied so boorishly to attentions so amiably meant. The same note of
character sounded in what personal intercourse he had with the Professors.
Though his spirit of criticism was at times busy with these gentlemen, he had
for most of them a profound regard; and to be elected by one or other for a word
of commendation, a little private assistance, a well-phrased inquiry as to his
progress, always made his heart beat high with gratitude. They were his first
exemplars of finished courtesy, of delicate culture; and he could never
sufficiently regret that no one of them was aware how thankfully he recognised
his debt.
    In longing for the intimacy of refined people, he began to modify his
sentiments with regard to the female sex. His first prize-day at Whitelaw was
the first occasion on which he sat in an assembly where ladies (as he understood
the title) could be seen and heard. The impression he received was deep and
lasting. On the seat behind him were two girls whose intermittent talk held him
with irresistible charm throughout the whole ceremony. He had not imagined that
girls could display such intelligence, and the sweet clearness of their
intonation, the purity of their accent, the grace of their habitual phrases,
were things altogether beyond his experience. This was not the English he had
been wont to hear on female lips.
