 all his College life
was far behind him, all his uneasiness regarding the next session was dispelled,
and he had no more connection with Kingsmill.
    Mrs. Peak had heard from Oliver of her brother-in-law's proposed
undertaking. She had spoken of it with anxiety to Godwin, who merely shrugged
his shoulders and avoided the topic, ashamed to dwell on the particulars of his
shame. In hearing Andrew's announcement she had much ado to repress tears of
vexation; silently she seated herself, and looked with pained countenance from
uncle to nephew.
    »Shall you make any changes in the place?« Godwin asked, carelessly.
    »Shan't I, jest! It'll take a month to refit them eatin' rooms. I'm agoin'
to do it proper - up to Dick! and I want your 'elp, my bo-oy. You an' me 'll
jest write a bit of a circular - see? to send round to the big pots of the
Collige, an' all the parents of the young fellers as we can get the addresses of
- see?«
    Even amid his pangs of mortification Godwin found himself pondering an
intellectual question. Was his uncle wholly unconscious of the misery he was
causing? Had it never occurred to him that the public proximity of an uneducated
shopkeeping relative must be unwelcome to a lad who was distinguishing himself
at Whitelaw College? Were that truly the case, then it would be unjust to regard
Andrew resentfully; destiny alone was to blame. And, after all, the man might be
so absorbed in his own interest, so strictly confined to the views of his own
class, as never to have dreamt of the sensibilities he wounded. In fact, the
shame excited by this prospect was artificial. Godwin had already felt that it
was unworthy alike of a philosopher and of a high-minded man of the world. The
doubt as to Andrew's state of mind, and this moral problem, had a restraining
effect upon the young man's temper. A practical person justifies himself in
wrath as soon as his judgment is at one with that of the multitude. Godwin,
though his passions were of exceptional force, must needs refine, debate with
himself points of abstract justice.
    »I've been tellin' Jowey, Grace, as I 'ope he may turn out such another as
Godwin 'ere. 'E'll go to Collige, will Jowey. Godwin, jest arst the bo-oy a
question or two, will you? 'E ain't been doin'
