He was too conscious of the difference between himself and Watts's set, to wish or seek identification with them.

But no one who ever came under Watts's influence could long stand out against his sunny face and frank manner, and so Peter eventually allowed himself to be "taken up." Perhaps the resistance encountered only whetted Watts's intention.

He was certainly aided by Peter's isolation.

Whether the cause was single or multiple, Peter was soon in a set from which many a seemingly far more eligible fellow was debarred.
Strangely enough, it did not change him perceptibly.

He still plodded on conscientiously at his studies, despite laughter and attempts to drag him away from them.