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 garret, to speak with a visitor.