there was generally a throng of boys round the
great iron fender, where, in cold weather, a little boy could seldom
find room. The large windows opened on the green playground; and iron
bars prevented any exit through them. This large room, called "the
boarders' room," was the joint habitation of Eric and some thirty other
boys; and at one side ran a range of shelves and drawers, where they
kept their books and private property. There the younger Rowlandites
breakfasted, dined, had tea, and, for the most part, lived. Here, too,
they had to get through all such work as was not performed under direct
supervision. How many and what varied scenes had not that room beheld!
had those dumb walls any feeling, what worlds of life and experience
they would have acquired! If against each boy's name, as it was rudely
cut on the oak panels, could have been also cut the fate that had
befallen him, the good that he had there learnt, the evil that he there
had suffered--what _noble_ histories would the records unfold of honour
and success, of baffled temptations and hard-won triumphs; what _awful_
histories of hopes blighted and habits learned, of wasted talents and
ruined lives.

The routine of school-life was on this wise:--At half-past seven the
boys came down to prayers, which were immediately followed by breakfast.
At nine they went into school, where they continued, with little
interruption, till twelve. At one they dined, and, except on
half-holidays, went into school again from two till five. The lock-up
bell rang at dusk; at six o'clock they had tea--which was a repetition
of breakfast, with leave to add to it whatever else they liked--and
immediately after sat down to "preparation," which lasted from seven
till nine. During this time one of the masters was always in the room,
who allowed them to read amusing books or employ themselves in any other
quiet way they liked, as soon as ever they had learnt their lessons for
the following day. At nine Dr Rowlands came in and read prayers, after
which the boys were dismissed to bed.

The arrangement of the dormitories was peculiar. They were a suite of
rooms, exactly the same size, each opening into the other; six on each
side of a lavatory, which occupied the space between them, so that, when
all the doors were open, you could see from one end of the whole range
to the other. The only advantage of this arrangement was, that one
master walking up and down could keep all