Then Norman applied himself to the capture of cray-fish, and Larkins grew so full of fun and drollery, that the hours of recreation passed off less gloomily than they had begun.
If only his own brother would have been his adherent! But he saw almost nothing of Tom.

Day after day he missed him, he was off before him in going and returning from school, and when he caught a sight of his face, it looked harassed, pale, and miserable, stealing anxious glances after him, yet shrinking from his eye.

But, at the same time, Norman did not see him mingling with his former friends, and could not make out how he disposed of himself.

To be thus continually shunned by his own brother, even when the general mass were returning to ordinary terms, became so painful, that Norman was always on the watch to seek for one more conversation with him.
He caught him at last in the evening, just as they were going home.
"Tom, why are you running away?
Come with me," said he authoritatively; and Tom obeyed in trembling.
Norman led the way to the meads.

"Tom," said he, "do not let this go on.
Why do you serve me in this way?
You surely need not turn against me," he said, with pleading melancholy in his voice.
It was not needed.