 was uninterrupted for some minutes.
Then Fanny came forward with a book of mosses, her own collection, which she had
mentioned to Peak as they were talking together in the carriage.
    »Do you make special study of any science?« Sidwell asked, when certain
remarks of Godwin's had proved his familiarity with the things he was
inspecting.
    »It is long since I worked seriously at anything of the kind,« he answered;
adding in a moment, »Except at chemistry - that only because it is my business.«
    »Organic or inorganic chemistry?« inquired Fanny, with the promptness of a
schoolgirl who wishes to have it known that her ideas are no longer vague.
    »Organic for the most part,« Godwin replied, smiling at her. »And of the
most disagreeable kind.«
    Sidwell reflected, then put another question, but with some diffidence.
    »I think you were once fond of geology?«
    It was the first allusion to that beginning of their acquaintance, ten years
ago. Peak succeeded in meeting her look with steadiness.
    »Yes, I still like it.«
    »Father's collections have been much improved since you saw them at
Thornhaw.«
    »I hope Mr. Warricombe will let me see them.«
    Buckland came up and made an apology for drawing his friend aside.
    »Will you let us send for your traps? You may just as well have a room here
for a night or two.«
    Perpetually imagining some kind chance that might associate him with
civilised people, Godwin could not even pack his portmanteau for a ramble to
Land's End without stowing away a dress suit. He was thus saved what would have
been an embarrassment of special annoyance. Without hesitation, he accepted
Buckland's offer, and named the hotel at which the luggage was deposited.
    »All right; the messenger shall explain. Our name's well enough known to
them. If you would like to look up my father in his study, he'll be delighted to
go over his collections with you. You still care for that kind of thing?«
    »Most certainly. How can you doubt it?«
    Buckland smiled, and gave no other reply.
    »Ask Fanny to show you the way when you care to go.« And he left the room.
 

                                       IV

Sidwell had fallen into conversation with Mr. Moorhouse. Miss Moorhouse, Mrs.
Warricombe, and Louis were grouped in animated talk. Observing that Fanny threw
glances towards him from a lonely corner, Peak went over to her, and was pleased
with the
