Yet this was merely the result of his mother's circumstances, and of his own character.

Mrs Peak could do no more than make her small remittances, and therewith send an occasional admonition regarding his health.

She did not, in fact, conceive the state of things, imagining that the authority and supervisal of the College extended over her son's daily existence, whereas it was possible for Godwin to frequent lectures or not, to study or to waste his time, pretty much as he chose, subject only to official inquiry if his attendance became frequently irregular.

His independent temper, and the seeming maturity of his mind, supplied another excuse for the imprudent confidence which left him to his own resources.

Yet the perils of the situation were great indeed.