‘’E ain’t no fool, ain’t Jowey!’ cried the parent.  ’Wite till ’e gits to Collige.  Godwin’ll put us up to all the ins and outs.  Plenty o’ time for that; ‘e’ll often run over an’ ‘ev a bit o’ dinner, and no need to talk about p’yment.’

‘Do you stay in Twybridge to-night?’ inquired Godwin, who had changed in look and manner, so that he appeared all but cheerful.

’No, we’re on our w’y ‘ome, is Jowey an’ me.  Jest thought we’d break the journey ‘ere.  We shall ketch the six-fifty hup.’

‘Then you will have a cup of tea with us,’ said Mrs. Peak, surprised at Godwin’s transformation, but seeing that hospitality was now unavoidable.

Charlotte presently entered the house, and, after a private conversation with her mother, went to greet Andrew.  If only to signify her contempt for Godwin’s prejudices, Charlotte would have behaved civilly to the London uncle.  In the end, Andrew took his leave in the friendliest possible way, repeating often that he would soon have the pleasure of entertaining Mrs. Peak and all her family at his new dining-rooms over against Whitelaw College.

CHAPTER IV

Immediately upon his uncle’s departure, Godwin disappeared; Mrs. Peak caught only a glimpse of him as he went by the parlour window.  In a short time Oliver came home, and, having learned what had happened, joined his mother and sister in a dull, intermittent conversation on the subject of Godwin’s future difficulties.

‘He won’t go back to Whitelaw,’ declared the lad.  ’He said he wouldn’t.’

‘People must be above such false shame,’ was Charlotte’s opinion.  ’I can’t see that it will make the slightest difference in his position or his prospects.’

Whereupon her mother’s patience gave way.

’Don’t talk such nonsense, Charlotte!  You understand perfectly well how serious it will be.  I never knew anything so cruel.’

‘I was never taught,’ persisted the girl, with calm obstinacy, ’that one ought to be ashamed of one’s relatives just because they are in a humble position.’

Oliver brought the tedious discussion to an end by clamouring for supper.  The table was laid, and all were about to sit down when Godwin presented himself.  To the general astonishment, he seemed in excellent spirits, and ate more heartily than usual.  Not a word was spoken of Uncle Andrew, until Mrs. Peak and her elder son were left alone together; then Godwin remarked in a tone of satisfied decision: 

’Of course, this is the end of my work at Whitelaw.  We must make new plans, mother.’

‘But how can we, dear?  What will Lady Whitelaw say?’

’I have to think it out yet.  In a day or two I shall very likely write a letter to Lady Whitelaw.  There’s no need, you know, to go talking about this in Twybridge.  Just leave it to me, will you?’

’It’s not a subject I care to talk about, you may be sure.  But I do hope you won’t do anything rash, Godwin.’