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Godwin was not distinguished by originality in thinking, but his strongly featured character converted to uses of his own the intellectual suggestions he so rapidly caught from others. Earwaker's habit of reflection had much to do with the strange feelings awakened in Godwin when he transferred to his mother's house the cabinets which had been Mr. Gunnery's pride for thirty or forty years.
This was the signal for Earwaker's rising, and in a few minutes both men had left the house. 'I'll go by train with you, said Earwaker, as they walked away. 'Farringdon Street will suit me well enough. Peak vouchsafed no reply, but, when they had proceeded a little distance, he exclaimed harshly: 'I hate emancipated women! His companion stopped and laughed loudly.
He refused to believe it, strove against the suggestion as a half-despairing man does against the persistent thought of suicide. If only he could obtain Earwaker's assent to the plan he put forward, it would support him in disregard of idle regrets. 'It is impossible, said the journalist, 'for anyone to determine whether that is true or not for you, as much as for anyone else.
'Thanks; I can't smoke just yet. It's my misfortune that I can't talk earnestly without throwing my body into disorder. 'How stolid I am in comparison! said Earwaker. 'That book of M'Naughten's, resumed the other, going back to his subject. 'I suppose the clergy accept it? 'Largely, I believe. Peak mused. 'Now, if I were a clergyman' But his eye met Earwaker's, and they broke into laughter.
They soon reached the station, and exchanged but few more words before Earwaker's leaving the train at Farringdon Street. Peak pursued his journey towards the south-east of London. On reaching home, the journalist flung aside his foolish coat of ceremony, indued a comfortable jacket, lit a pipe with long stem, and began to glance over an evening newspaper.
For Peak's disadvantages of person, his studious bashfulness and poverty of attire were mainly responsible. With improvement in general health even his features might have a tolerable comeliness, or at all events would not be disagreeable. Earwaker's visage was homely, and seemed the more so for his sprouting moustache and beard.
At first he was inclined to a polite reserve, but Earwaker's conversation speedily put him more at ease. 'I have quite made up my mind, he said presently, 'that we must take him away with us to-morrow. The voyage will bring him to his senses. 'Of course he resists? 'Yes, but if you will give me your help, I think we can manage him. He is not very strong-willed.
'Suppose he has found it necessary to assume a character wholly fictitious or, let us say, quite inconsistent with his life and opinions as known to us? This was a fruitful suggestion, long in Earwaker's mind, but not hitherto communicated. Christian did not at once grasp its significance. 'How could that be necessary? Peak is no swindler. You don't imply that he is engaged in some fraud?
I should enjoy above all things to travel with a man of science. 'It's very doubtful whether I shall ever get so far, Godwin replied, musingly. And, as he spoke, he rose to take leave. Earwaker's protest that it was not yet ten o'clock did not influence him.
By this time he had made a beginning of his critical essay, and the exordium so far satisfied him that he was tempted to take it for Earwaker's judgment. But no; better his friend should see the thing when it was complete. About eight o'clock he reached the journalist's chambers. Malkin had not yet arrived.
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