A fortnight, and no word from Lady Whitelaw. But neither was Godwin’s letter posted.
Was he at liberty to indulge the self-respect which urged him to write? In a moment of heated confidence it was all very well to talk of ‘getting some occupation’ in London, but he knew that this might prove no easy matter. A year’s work at the School of Mines would decidedly facilitate his endeavour; and, seeing that his mother’s peace depended upon his being speedily self-supporting, was it not a form of selfishness to reject help from one who could well afford it? From a distance, he regarded Lady Whitelaw with more charity; a longer talk with her might have led to better mutual apprehension. And, after all, it was not she but her husband to whom he would stand indebted. Sir Job was a very kind-hearted
