One day Mr. Gordon had accidentally come in, and found no one there but Upton and Eric; they were standing very harmlessly by the window, with Upton’s arm resting kindly on Eric’s shoulder as they watched with admiration the net-work of rippled sunbeams that flashed over the sea. Upton had just been telling Eric the splendid phrase [Greek: anêrithmon gelasma pontiôn], which he had stumbled upon in an Aeschylus lesson that morning, and they were trying which would hit on the best rendering of it. Eric stuck up for the literal sublimity of “the innumerable laughter of the sea,” while Upton was trying to win him over to “the many-twinkling smile of ocean.” They were enjoying the discussion, and each stoutly maintaining his own rendering, when Mr. Gordon entered. On this occasion he was particularly angry; he had an especial dislike of seeing the two boys together, because he fancied that the younger had grown more than usually conceited and neglectful, since he had been under the fifth-form patronage; and he saw in Eric’s presence there, a new case of wilful disobedience. “Williams, here _again!_” he exclaimed sharply. “Why, sir, you seem to suppose that you may defy rules with impunity! How often have I told you that no one is allowed to sit here, except the regular occupants?” His voice startled the two boys from their pleasant discussion. “No other master takes any notice of it, sir,” said Upton. “I have nothing to do with other masters, Williams, you will bring me the fourth Georgic, written out by Saturday morning, for your repeated disobedience. Upton, I have a great mind to punish you also, for tempting him to come here.” This was a mistake on Mr. Gordon’s part, of which Upton took immediate advantage. “I have no power to prevent it, sir, if he wishes it. Besides,” he continued, with annoying blandness of tone, “it would be inhospitable; and I am too glad of his company.” Eric smiled, and Mr. Gordon frowned. “Williams, leave the room instantly.” The boy obeyed slowly and doggedly. “Mr. Rose never interferes with me, when he sees me here,” he said as he retreated. “Then I shall request Mr. Rose to do so in future; your conceit and impertinence are getting intolerable.” Eric only answered with a fiery glance; the next minute Upton joined him on the stairs, and Mr. Gordon heard them laughing a little ostentatiously, as they ran out into the playground together. He went away full of strong contempt, and from that moment began to look on the friends as two of the worst boys in the school.