defeat! Foretaste of triumph urged the current of his blood and inflamed him
with exquisite ardour. He sang aloud in the still lanes the hymns of youth and
of love; and, when weariness brought him back to his lonely dwelling, he laid
his head on the pillow, and slept in dreamless calm.
    As for the details of his advance towards the clerical state, he had decided
to resume his career at the point where it was interrupted by Andrew Peak. Twice
had his education received a check from hostile circumstances: when domestic
poverty compelled him to leave school for Mr. Moxey's service, and when shame
drove him from Whitelaw College. In reflecting upon his own character and his
lot he gave much weight to these irregularities, no doubt with justice. In both
cases he was turned aside from the way of natural development and opportunity.
He would now complete his academic course by taking the London degree at which
he had long ago aimed; the preliminary examination might without difficulty be
passed this summer, and next year he might write himself Bachelor of Arts. A
return to the studies of boyhood probably accounted in some measure for the
frequent gaiety which he attributed to improving health and revived hopes.
Everything he undertook was easy to him, and by a pleasant self-deception he
made the passing of a school task his augury of success in greater things.
    During the spring he was indebted to the Warricombes' friendship for several
new acquaintances. A clergyman named Lilywhite, often at the Warricombes' house,
made friendly overtures to him; the connection might be a useful one, and Godwin
made the most of it. Mr. Lilywhite was a man of forty - well-read, of scientific
tastes, an active pedestrian. Peak had no difficulty in associating with him on
amicable terms. With Mrs. Lilywhite, the mother of six children and possessed of
many virtues, he presently became a favourite, - she saw in him a great deal of
quiet moral force. One or two families of good standing made him welcome at
their houses; society is very kind to those who seek its benefits with
recognised credentials. The more he saw of these wealthy and tranquil
middle-class people, the more fervently did he admire the gracefulness of their
existence. He had not set before himself an imaginary ideal; the girls and women
were sweet, gentle, perfect in manner, and, within limits, of bright
intelligence. He was conscious of benefiting greatly, and not alone in things
extrinsic, by the atmosphere of such homes.
    Nature's progress towards summer kept him in a mood of healthful