the small sum he had been able to save, after purchase of books,
would not suffice. Mrs. Peak knew not whether to approve her son's
ambition or to try to repress it. She would welcome an improval in
his prospects, but, granting success, how was he to live whilst
profiting by a scholarship? And again, what did he propose to make
of himself when he had spent three years in study?

'In any case,' was Godwin's reply, 'I should be sure of a good place
as a teacher. But I think I might try for something in the Civil
Service; there are all sorts of positions to be got.'

It was idle to discuss the future whilst the first step was still
speculative. Mrs. Peak consented to favour the attempt, and what was
more, to keep it a secret until the issue should be known. It was
needful to obtain leave of absence from Mr. Moxey, and Godwin, when
making the request, stated for what purpose he was going to
Kingsmill, though without explaining the hope which had encouraged
his studies. The project seemed laudable, and his employer made no
difficulties.

Godwin just missed the scholarship; of candidates in the prescribed
district, he came out second.

Grievous was the disappointment. To come so near success exasperated
his impatient temper, and for a few days his bondage at the chemical
works seemed intolerable; he was ready for almost any venture that
promised release and new scope for his fretting energies. But at the
moment when nervous irritation was most acute, a remarkable act of
kindness suddenly restored to him all the hopes he had abandoned.
One Saturday afternoon he was summoned from his surly retreat in the