Warricombe and her daughter. Only once hitherto had he met them. Six
months ago he had gone out with Buckland to the country-house and
passed an afternoon there, making at the time no very favourable
impression on his hostess. He was not of the young men who easily
insinuate themselves into ladies' affections: his exterior was
against him, and he seemed too conscious of his disadvantages in
that particular. Mrs. Warricombe found it difficult to shape a few
civil phrases for the acceptance of the saturnine student. Sidwell,
repelled and in a measure alarmed by his bilious countenance, could
do no more than grant him her delicately gloved fingers. Peak, for
his part, had nothing to say. He did not even affect an interest in
these persons, and turned his eyes to follow the withdrawing
Earwaker. Mr. Warricombe, however, had found topic for discourse in
the prize volume; he began to comment on the excellence of certain
sections of the book.

'Do you go home?' interrupted Buckland, addressing the question to
his rival. 'Or do you stay in Kingsmill until the First B.A.?'

'I shall go home,' replied Peak, moving uneasily.

'Perhaps we may have the pleasure of seeing you at Thornhaw when you
are up again for the examination?' said Mrs. Warricombe, with
faltering tongue.

'I'm afraid I shan't be able to come, thank you,' was the awkward
response.

Buckland's voice came to the relief.