He was full of life and spirits, brave, bright, impetuous, tingling with hope, in the flush and flower of boyhood.

He bounded down the stairs, and in another minute entered the large room where all Dr.Rowlands' boarders assembled, and where most of them lived, except the few privileged sixth form, and other boys who had "studies." A cheer greeted his entrance into the room.

By this time most of the Rowlandites knew him, and were proud to have him among their number.

They knew that he was clever enough to get them credit in the school, and, what was better still, that he would be a capital accession of strength to the cricket and football.

Except Barker, there was not one who had not a personal liking for him, and on this occasion even Barker was gracious.
The room in which Eric found himself was large and high.