Mrs. Peak trembled with annoyance and indecision.  Andrew evidently meant to stay for some time, and she could not bring herself to treat him with plain discourtesy; but she saw that Oliver, after shaking hands in a very strained way, had abruptly left the room, and Godwin would be anything but willing to meet his uncle.  When the name of her elder son was again mentioned she withdrew on the pretence of summoning him, and went up to his room.  Godwin had heard the hateful voice, and was in profound disturbance.

‘What does he say, mother?’ he inquired anxiously.  ’Anything about Kingsmill?’

’Not yet.  Oh, I do so wish we could bring this connection to an end!’

It was the first time Mrs. Peak had uttered her sentiments so unreservedly.

‘Then, shall I see him in private,’ said Godwin, ’and simply let him know the truth?’

’I dread the thought of that, Godwin.  He would very likely be coarse and violent.  I must try to show him by my manner.  Oliver has gone out, and when Charlotte comes home I’ll tell her to keep out of sight.  He has brought his boy.  Suppose you don’t come down at all?  I might say you are too busy.’

’No, no; you shan’t have to do it all alone.  I’ll come down with you.  I must hear what he has to say.’

They descended.  As soon as his nephew appeared, Andrew sprang up, and shouted joyfully: 

‘Well, Godwin, bo-oy!  It’s all settled!  Got the bloomin’ shop from next quarter dye!  “Peak’s Dinin’ and Refreshment Rooms!” Jowey an’ me was over there all yisterday—­wasn’t us, Jowey?  Oh, it’s immense!’

Godwin felt the blood buzz in his ears, and a hot choking clutch at his throat.  He took his stand by the mantelpiece, and began to turn a little glass ornament round and round.  Fate had spoken.  On the instant, all his College life was far behind him, all his uneasiness regarding the next session was dispelled, and he had no more connection with Kingsmill.

Mrs. Peak had heard from Oliver of her brother-in-law’s proposed undertaking.  She had spoken of it with anxiety to Godwin, who merely shrugged his shoulders and avoided the topic, ashamed to dwell on the particulars of his shame.  In hearing Andrew’s announcement she had much ado to repress tears of vexation; silently she seated herself, and looked with pained countenance from uncle to nephew.

‘Shall you make any changes in the place?’ Godwin asked, carelessly.

‘Shan’t I, jest!  It’ll take a month to refit them eatin’ rooms.  I’m agoin’ to do it proper—­up to Dick! and I want your ’elp, my bo-oy.  You an’ me ’II jest write a bit of a circular—­see? to send round to the big pots of the Collige, an’ all the parents of the young fellers as we can get the addresses of—­see?’