In the course of these years of adolescence, Godfrey Knight had
developed into a rather unusual stamp of youth. In some ways he was
clever, for instance at the classics and history which he had always
liked; in others and especially where figures were concerned, he was
stupid, or as his father called him, idle. In company he was apt to be
shy and dull, unless some subject interested him, when to the
astonishment of those present, he would hold forth and show knowledge
and powers of reflection beyond his years. By nature he was intensely
proud; the one thing he never forgot was a rebuff, or forgave, was an
insult. Sir John Blake soon found this out, and not liking the lad,
whose character was antagonistic to his own in every way, never lost
an opportunity of what he called "putting him in his place," perhaps
because something warned him that this awkward, handsome boy would
become a stumbling-block to his successful feet.

Godfrey and Isobel were both great readers. Nor did they lack for
books, for as it chanced there was a good library at Hawk's Hall,
which had been formed by the previous owner and taken over like the
pictures, when Mr. Blake bought the house. Also it was added to
constantly, as an order was given to a large London bookseller to
supply all the important new works that came out. Although he never
opened a book himself, Sir John liked to appear intellectual by
displaying them about the rooms for the benefit of his visitors. These
publications Isobel read and lent to Godfrey; indeed they perused a
great deal which young people generally are supposed to leave alone,
and this in various schools of thought, including those that are known
as "free."

It was seldom that such studies led to unanimity between them, but to
argument, which sharpened their intellects, they did lead, followed