He was proud to a fault; he well knew that few of his fellows had gifts like his, either of mind or person, and his fair face often showed a clear impression of his own superiority.

His passion, too, was imperious, and though it always met with prompt correction, his cousin had latterly found it difficult to subdue.

She felt, in a word, that he was outgrowing her rule.

Beyond a certain age no boy of spirit can be safely guided by a woman's hand alone.
Eric Williams was now twelve years old.

His father was a civilian in India, and was returning on furlough to England after a long absence.
Eric had been born in India, but had been sent to England by his parents at an early age, in charge of a lady friend of his mother.