Like all proud natures condemned to solitude, he tried to convince
himself that he had no need of society, that he despised its
attractions, and could be self-sufficing. So far was this from the
truth that he often regarded with bitter envy those of his
fellow-students who had the social air, who conversed freely among
their equals, and showed that the pursuits of the College were only
a part of their existence. These young men were either preparing for
the University, or would pass from Whitelaw to business, profession,
official training; in any case, a track was marked out for them by
the zealous care of relatives and friends, and their efforts would
always be aided, applauded, by a kindly circle. Some of them Godwin
could not but admire, so healthful were they, so bright of
intellect, and courteous in manner,--a type distinct from any he
had formerly observed. Others were antipathetic to him. Their
aggressive gentility conflicted with the wariness of his
self-esteem; such a one, for instance, as Bruno Chilvers, the sound
of whose mincing voice, as he read in the class, so irritated him
that at times he had to cover his ears. Yet, did it chance that one
of these offensive youths addressed a civil word to him, on the
instant his prejudice was disarmed, and his emotions flowed forth in
a response to which he would gladly have given free expression. When
he was invited to meet the relatives of Buckland Warricombe, shyness
prepossessed him against them; but the frank kindness of his
reception moved him, and on going away he was ashamed to have
replied so boorishly to attentions so amiably meant. The same note
of character sounded in what personal intercourse he had with the
Professors. Though his spirit of criticism was at times busy with
these gentlemen, he had for most of them a profound regard; and to
be elected by one or other for a word of commendation, a little
private assistance, a well-phrased inquiry as to his progress,