preference to
the ideal theory, the supporters whereof (diligently adapting themselves to the
progress of science) hold that the six days are not to be understood as
consecutive periods at all, but merely as six phases of the Creator's work.
    By the exercise of watchfulness and dexterity, Peak managed for the most
part to avoid expression of definite opinions. His attitude was that of a
reverent (not yet reverend) student. Mr. Warricombe was less guarded, and
sometimes allowed himself to profess that he saw nothing but vain ingenuity in
Reusch's argument: as, for example, where the theologian, convinced that the
patriarchs did really live to an abnormal age, suggests that man's life was
subsequently shortened in order that sin might not flourish with such
exuberance. This passage caused Martin to smile.
    »It won't do, it won't do,« he said, quietly. »Far better apply his
rationalism here as elsewhere. These are wonderful old stories, not to be
understood literally. Nothing depends upon them - nothing essential.«
    Thereupon Peak mused anxiously. Not for the first time there occurred to him
a thought which suited only too well with his ironic habits of mind. What if
this hypocritic comedy were altogether superfluous? What if Mr. Warricombe would
have received him no less cordially had he avowed his sincere position, and
contented himself with guarding against offensiveness? Buckland, it was true,
had suffered in his father's esteem on account of his unorthodoxy, but that
young man had been too aggressive, too scornful. With prudence, would it not
have been possible to win Martin's regard by fortifying the scientific rather
than the dogmatic side of his intellect? If so, what a hopeless error had he
committed! - But Sidwell? Was she liberal enough to take a personal interest in
one who had renounced faith in revelation? He could not decide this question,
for of Sidwell he knew much less than of her father. And it was idle to torment
himself with such debate of the irreversible.
    And, indeed, there seemed much reason for believing that Martin, whatever
the extent of his secret doubts, was by temperament armed against agnosticism.
Distinctly it comforted him to hear the unbelievers assailed - the friends of
whom he spoke most heartily were all on the orthodox side; if ever a hint of
gentle malice occurred in his conversation, it was when he spoke of a fallacy, a
precipitate conclusion, detected in works of science. Probably he was too old to
overcome this bias.
    His view of the Bible appeared to harmonise with that