optimism that, though
he ended every term in a state of exhaustion, having strained his energy
and endurance to the breaking-point, he invariably began the new term in
a spirit of geniality and hope. It was not till years later that Gordon
came to understand the depth of unselfish idealism that burned behind
the quiet modesty of the Chief; but even at first sight the least
impressionable boy was conscious of being under the influence of an
unusual personality. There was nothing of the theatrical pedagogue about
him; he surrounded himself with no trappings of a proud authority. His
voice was gentle and persuasive; his smile as winning almost as a
child's. The little speech with which he welcomed the House back, and a
passing allusion, half humorous, half appealing, to the changes in the
bath-rooms were perhaps too homely to impress the imagination of the
average inhuman boy. But they were the sincere expression of the man--an
idealist, with an unfailing faith in human nature, founded in an even
deeper faith in Christianity.

When he had gone, Gordon ventured to look round at the sea of faces. On
a raised dais was the Sixth Form table. In the middle, haughty,
self-conscious, with sleepy-looking but watchful eyes, sat the captain
of the House, Lovelace major, in many ways the finest athlete Fernhurst
ever produced, who had already got his County cap and played "Rugger"
for Richmond. Gordon had seen him bat at Lord's for the Public Schools
_v._ M.C.C., and before he had come to Fernhurst, Lovelace had been the
hero of his imagination; ambition could hardly attain a higher pedestal.

There were about twelve in all at the Sixth Form table, of whom the
majority were prefects; and no one could leave the hall till one of them
went out. After a few minutes' conversation, in which no one ate
anything, although plates of hot soup were busily provided, someone got
up and went out. Immediately there was a rush towards the door, and
Gordon was borne down the long winding passage to the foot of the
stairs that led to the dormitories. Here, however, for some reason,
everyone stopped and began to talk at the top of their voices. Gordon
saw no reason for the delay, but thought it better to follow the throng,
and waited. As a matter of fact, the last train up from town had just
come in. There are some who always demand the last ounce of flesh; there
are always those who return by the last possible train, although it
stops at every statio