Eric learnt a great deal of harm from Upton, and the misapplied hero-worship led to bad results.

But he was too manly a little fellow, and had too much self-respect, to sink into the effeminate condition which usually grows on the young delectables who have the misfortune to be "taken up." Nor did he in the least drop his old friends, except Owen.

A coolness grew up between the latter and Eric, not unmingled with a little mutual contempt.

Eric sneered at Owen as a fellow who did nothing but grind all day long, and had no geniality in him; while Owen pitied the love of popularity which so often led Eric into delinquencies, which he himself despised.

Owen had, indeed, but few friends in the school; the only boy who knew him well enough to respect and like him thoroughly was Russell, who found in him the only one who took the same high, ground with himself.