Yet, as a matter of course, it was to London that his ambition pointed, when he forecast the future.

Where else could he hope for opportunity of notable advancement?
At Twybridge?
Impossible to find more than means of subsistence; his soul loathed such a prospect.

At Kingsmill?
There was a slender hope that he might establish a connection with Whitelaw College, if he devoted himself to laboratory work; but what could come of that--at all events for many years?
London, then?
The only acceptable plan for supporting himself there was to succeed in a Civil Service competition.

That, indeed, seemed the most hopeful direction for his efforts; a government office might afford him scope, and, he had heard, would allow him abundant leisure.
Or to go abroad?
To enter for the Indian clerkships, and possibly cleave a wider way than could be hoped in England?
There was allurement in the suggestion; travel had always tempted his fancy.

In that case he would be safely severed from the humble origin which in his native country might long be an annoyance, or even an obstacle; no Uncle Andrew could spring up at inconvenient moments in the middle of his path.