His attainments were already up to the standard required for average success in such competitions.

On obtaining a set of 'papers', he found that they looked easy enough.

Could he not come out first in the Kingsmill district?
He worked vigorously at special subjects; aid was needless, but he wished for more leisure.

Not a word to any member of his household.
When his mother discovered that he was reading in the bedroom till long past midnight, she made serious objection on the score of health and on that of gas bills.

Godwin quietly asserted that work he must, and that if necessary he would buy candles out of his pocket-money.