 exhibit the volumes in tree-calf which his friend the librarian had
forwarded to him. But domestic circumstances soon made assault upon his nerves,
and trial of his brief patience.
    First of all, there came an unexpected disclosure. His sister Charlotte had
affianced herself to a young man of Twybridge, one Mr. Cusse, whose prospects
were as slender as his present means. Mrs. Peak spoke of the affair in hushed
privacy, with shaking of the head and frequent sighs, for to her mind Mr. Cusse
had few even personal recommendations. He was a draper's assistant. Charlotte
had made his acquaintance on occasions of church festivity, and urged the fact
of his zeal in Sunday-school tuition ay sufficient reply to all doubts. As he
listened, Godwin bit his lips.
    »Does he come here, then?« was his inquiry.
    »Once or twice a week. I haven't felt able to say anything against it,
Godwin. I suppose it will be a very long engagement.«
    Charlotte was just twenty-two, and it seemed probable that she knew her own
mind; in any case, she was of a character which would only be driven to
obstinacy by adverse criticism. Godwin learnt that his aunt Emily (Miss Cadman)
regarded this connection with serious disapproval. Herself a shopkeeper, she
might have been expected to show indulgence to a draper's assistant, but, so far
from this, her view of Mr. Cusse was severely scornful. She had nourished far
other hopes for Charlotte, who surely at her age (Miss Cadman looked from the
eminence of five-and-forty) should have been less precipitate. No undue
harshness had been exhibited by her relatives, but Charlotte took a stand which
sufficiently declared her kindred with Godwin. She held her head higher than
formerly, spoke with habitual decision which bordered on snappishness, and at
times displayed the absent-mindedness of one who in silence suffers wrong.
    There passed but a day or two before Godwin was brought face to face with
Mr. Cusse, who answered too well to the idea Charlotte's brother had formed of
him. He had a very smooth and shiny forehead, crowned by sleek chestnut hair;
his chin was deferential; the bend of his body signified a modest hope that he
did his duty in the station to which Providence had summoned him. Godwin he
sought to flatter with looks of admiring interest; also, by entering upon a
conversation which was meant to prove that he did not altogether lack worldly
knowledge, of however little moment that might be in comparison with spiritual
