To Mrs.
Peak her husband's death was not an occasion of unmingled mourning.

For the last few years she had suffered severely from domestic discord, and when left at peace by bereavement she turned with a sense of liberation to the task of caring for her children's future.

Godwin was just thirteen, Oliver was eleven; both had been well schooled, and with the help of friends they might soon be put in the way of self-support.

The daughter, Charlotte, sixteen years of age, had accomplishments which would perhaps be profitable.

The widow decided to make a home in Twybridge, where Miss Cadman kept a millinery shop.