never try to make it seem a light thing.«
    »That, surely, is a sound view, think as we may on speculative points. But
allow me one more question, Sidwell. Does it seem to you that I have no choice
but to break off all communication with Mr. Peak?«
    It was the course dictated by his own wish, she knew. And what could be
gained by any middle way between hearty goodwill and complete repudiation? Time
- time alone must work out the problem.
    »Yes, I think you have no choice,« she answered.
    »Then I must make inquiries - see if he leaves the town.«
    »Mr. Lilywhite will know, probably.«
    »I will write before long.«
    So the dialogue ended, and neither sought to renew it.
    Martin enjoined upon his wife a discreet avoidance of the subject. The
younger members of the family were to know nothing of what had happened, and, if
possible, the secret must be kept from friends at Exeter. When a fortnight had
elapsed, he wrote to Mr. Lilywhite, asking whether it was true that Peak had
gone away. »It seems that private circumstances have obliged him to give up his
project of taking Orders. Possibly he has had a talk with you?« The clergyman
replied that Peak had left Exeter. »I have had a letter from him, explaining in
general terms his change of views. It hardly surprises me that he has
reconsidered the matter. I don't think he was cut out for clerical work. He is
far more likely to distinguish himself in the world of science. I suspect that
conscientious scruples may have something to do with it; if so, all honour to
him!«
    The Warricombes prolonged their stay in London until the end of June. On
their return home, Martin was relieved to find that scarcely an inquiry was made
of him concerning Peak. The young man's disappearance excited no curiosity in
the good people who had come in contact with him, and who were so far from
suspecting what a notable figure had passed across their placid vision. One
person only was urgent in his questioning. On an afternoon when Mrs. Warricombe
and her daughters were alone, the Rev. Bruno Chilvers made a call.
    »Oh!« he exclaimed, after a few minutes' conversation, »I am so anxious to
ask you what has become of Mr. Peak. Soon after my arrival in Exeter, I went to
see him, and we had a long talk - a most interesting talk. Then I