beings who, in despite of circumstance, are pinnacled above mankind.
In his ignorance of life, the boy visioned a triumphant career; an
aristocrat ~de jure~ might possibly become one even in the common
sense did he but pursue that end with sufficient zeal. And in his
power of persistent endeavour he had no lack of faith.

The next day he walked with exalted head. Encountering the
objectionable Roper, he smiled upon him contemptuously tolerant.

There being no hope of effective assistance from relatives, Mrs. Peak
turned for counsel to a man of business, with whom her husband had
made acquaintance in his farming days, and who held a position of
influence at Twybridge. This was Mr. Moxey, manufacturing chemist,
famous in the Midlands for his 'sheep and cattle dressings', and
sundry other products of agricultural enterprise. His ill-scented,
but lucrative, works were situated a mile out of the town; and
within sight of the reeking chimneys stood a large, plain house,
uncomfortably like an 'institution' of some kind, in which he dwelt
with his five daughters. Thither, one evening, Mrs. Peak betook
herself, having learnt that Mr. Moxey dined at five o'clock, and that
he was generally to be found digging in his garden until sunset. Her
reception was civil. The manufacturer--sparing of words, but with
no unkindly face--requested that Godwin should be sent to see him,
and promised to do his best to be of use. A talk with the boy
strengthened his interest. He was surprised at Godwin's knowledge of
chemistry, pleased with his general intelligence, and in the end
offered to make a place for him at the works, where, though for a
year or two his earnings must be small, he would gain experience
likely to be of substantial use to him. Godwin did not find the
proposal distasteful; it brought a change into his life, and the