It was an additional vexation to feel sure that his manner did not make a favorable impression.
Before he had got out of the play ground, Russell ran up to him.

"I'm afraid you won't like this, or think much of us, Williams," he said.
"But never mind.

It'll only last a day or two, and the fellows are not so bad as they seem; except that Barker.

I'm sorry you've come across him, but it can't be helped." It was the first kind word he had had since the morning, and after his troubles kindness melted him.

He felt half inclined to cry, and for a few moments could say nothing in reply to Russell's soothing words.