Even Barker, blackguard as he was, seemed to be a little uneasy when confronted with Montagu's naturally noble and chivalrous bearing.

In nearly all respects his influence was thoroughly good, and few boys were more generally popular.
Owen, again, was a very different boy.

His merit was a ceaseless diligence, in which it was doubtful whether ambition or conscientiousness had the greatest share.

Reserved and thoughtful, unfitted for or indifferent to most games, he was anything but a favorite with the rest, and Eric rather respected than liked him.

When he first came, he had been one of the most natural butts for Barker's craving ill-nature, and for a time he had been tremendously bullied.