CHAPTER IV.
Immediately upon his uncle's departure, Godwin disappeared; Mrs.Peak caught only a glimpse of him as he went by the parlour window.

In a short time Oliver came home, and, having learned what had happened, joined his mother and sister in a dull, intermittent conversation on the subject of Godwin's future difficulties.
'He won't go back to Whitelaw,' declared the lad.

'He said he wouldn't.' 'People must be above such false shame,' was Charlotte's opinion.

'I can't see that it will make the slightest difference in his position or his prospects.' Whereupon her mother's patience gave way.
'Don't talk such nonsense, Charlotte! You understand perfectly well how serious it will be.

I never knew anything so cruel.' 'I was never taught,' persisted the girl, with calm obstinacy, 'that one ought to be ashamed of one's relatives just because they are in a humble position.' Oliver brought the tedious discussion to an end by clamouring for supper.