Vernon, too, now a lively and active child of nine, was a great pet among them, so that every one liked Eric who "knew him at home." A boy generally shows his best side at home; the softening shadows of a mother's tender influence play over him, and tone down the roughness of boyish character.

Duncan, Montagu, and Owen were special favorites in the home circle, and Mrs.Williams felt truly glad that her son had singled out friends who seemed, on the whole, so desirable.

But Montagu and Russell were the most frequent visitors, and the latter became almost like one of the family; he won so much on all their hearts that Mrs.Williams was not surprised when Eric confided to her one day that he loved Russell almost as well as be loved Vernon.
As Christmas approached, the boys began to take a lively interest in the half-year's prizes, and Eric was particularly eager about them.

He had improved wonderfully, and as both his father and mother prevented him from being idle, even had he been so inclined, he had soon shown that he was one of the best in the form.

Two prizes were given, half-yearly to each remove; one for "marks" indicating the boy who had generally been highest throughout the half year, and the other for the test proofs of proficiency in a special examination.