All this was matter of observation for Peak, who had learnt to exercise his discernment even whilst attending to the proprieties.
The sounding of the first luncheon-bell left the young men free to go upstairs.

When at length they presented themselves in the drawing-room, Mrs.Warricombe and her younger daughter sat there alone.

The greeting of his hostess did not quite satisfy Godwin, though it was sufficiently courteous; he remembered that ten years ago Mrs.Warricombe had appeared to receive him with some restraint, and his sensation in renewing her acquaintance was one of dislike.

But in a moment the master of the house joined them, and no visitor could have had a more kindly welcome than that he offered to his son's friend.

With genial tact, Mr.Warricombe ignored the interval since his last conversation with Godwin, and spoke as if this visit were the most natural thing in the world.
'Do you already know the country about Exeter ?' 'I have seen very little of it yet.' 'Oh, then, we must show you our points of view.