It was therefore with no little surprise that Mr Percival, who with Mr Paton passed through the croft on his Sunday stroll, observed Kenrick-- not with his usual companions, Power or Walter or Whalley--but arm in arm with Harpour and Tracy, and accompanied by one or two other boys of similar character. It immediately explained to him much that had taken place. He had heard vague rumours of the part Kenrick had taken at the meeting; he had heard both from him and from Walter that they were no longer on good terms with each other; but now it was further plain to him that Kenrick was breaking loose from all his old moorings, and sailing into the open sea of wilfulness and pride. "What are you so much interested about?" asked Mr Paton, as his colleague followed the boys with his glance. "I am wondering how and why this change has come over Kenrick." "What change?" "Don't you see with whom he is walking? Oh, I forgot that you never notice that kind of outer life among the boys; on the other hand, I always do; it helps me to understand these fellows, and do more for them than I otherwise could." "You observe them to some purpose, Percival, at any rate, for your influence among them is wonderful--as I have occasion to discover every now and then." "But Kenrick puzzles me. `_Nemo repente fuit turpissimus_' one used to think; yet that boy has dropped from the society of such a noble fellow as Power, with his exquisite mind and manners, plumb into the abyss of intimacy with Harpour. There must be something all wrong."