;
his own connections were of humble standing. But Warricombe must wince and shrug
his shoulders. Perhaps even some of the Professors would have their attention
directed to the ludicrous mishap: they were gentlemen, and, even though they
smiled, must certainly sympathise with him.
    Wait a little. Whitelaw College should yet remember the student who seemed
to have vanished amid the world's obscure tumult.
    Resolved that he was about to turn his back on Twybridge for ever, he found
the conditions of life there quite supportable through this last month or two;
the family reaped benefit from his improved temper. Even to Mr. Cusse he behaved
with modified contempt. Oliver was judicious enough to suppress his nigger
minstrelsy and kindred demonstrations of spirit in his brother's presence, and
Charlotte, though steadily resentful, did her best to avoid conflict.
    Through the Misses Lumb, Godwin's change of purpose had of course become
known to his aunt, who for a time took it ill that these debates had been
concealed from her. When Mrs. Peak, in confidence, apprised her of the
disturbing cause, Miss Cadman's indignation knew no bounds. What! That low
fellow had been allowed to interfere with the progress of Godwin Peak's
education, and not a protest uttered? He should have been forbidden to establish
himself in Kingsmill! Why had they not taken her into council? She would have
faced the man, and have overawed him; he should have been made to understand the
gross selfishness of his behaviour. Never had she heard of such a monstrous case
-
 
Godwin spent much time in quiet examination of the cabinets bequeathed to him by
Mr. Gunnery. He used a pound or two of Lady Whitelaw's money for the purchase of
scientific books, and set to work upon them with freshened zeal. The early
morning and late evening were given to country walks, from which he always
returned with brain excited by the forecast of great achievements.
    When the time of his departure approached, he decided to pay a farewell
visit to Mr. Moxey. He chose an hour when the family would probably be taking
their ease in the garden. Three of the ladies were, in fact, amusing themselves
with croquet, while their father, pipe in mouth, bent over a bed of
calceolarias.
    »What's this that I hear?« exclaimed Mr. Moxey, as he shook hands. »You are
not going back to Whitelaw?«
    The story had of course spread among all Twybridge people who knew anything
of the Peaks, and it was generally felt that some mystery was involved.