O do not forget your love for us in the midst of new companions." The end of term arrived; this time Eric came out eighth only instead of first, and, therefore, on the prize day, was obliged to sit among the crowd of undistinguished boys.

He saw that his parents were disappointed, and his own ambition was grievously mortified.

But he had full confidence in his own powers, and made the strongest resolutions to work hard the next half-year, when he had got out of "that Gordon's" clutches.
The Williams' spent the holidays at Fairholm, and now, indeed, in the prospect of losing them, Eric's feelings to his parents came out in all their strength.

Most happily the days glided by, and the father and mother used them wisely.

All their gentle influence, all their deep affection, were employed in leaving on the boy's heart lasting impressions of godliness and truth.