"My father has consented to it." "Has he?
That will be first rate." "And so has George Weston." Charles relapsed into deep thought.

He was thinking how much better he could enjoy himself with good boys than with such fellows as the Rovers; for, though he was "master of marine" among them, he could not help acknowledging to himself that they were not pleasant companions.

They used profane and vulgar language; were always disposed to quarrel.
Disputes which were settled peaceably in the clubs were decided by a fight among the Rovers; and the ambitious "master" had many misgivings as to his ability to control them.

Tim could manage them very well; for, if one was turbulent, he struck him and knocked him down; and Charles had not the brute courage to do this.
"What are you thinking about, Charley ?" asked Frank, pleasantly.
"Nothing," replied Charles, promptly, as he tried to laugh.
"You act rather queerly this afternoon; just as though you had something on your mind." "O, no; nothing of the kind." "I hope you don't regret the expulsion of Tim Bunker." "Certainly not." Charles tried to be gay after that; but he could not.

There was a weight upon his soul which bore him down, and he felt like a criminal in the presence of his companions.