The new master's patience was oozing away, and his wits, strange to say, were coming in.
"This is rather damping," he said.

"Things seem pretty right, there's a draught in the big dormitory, the rules are not very much obeyed, and nothing can be suggested to improve matters." The four sat silent--the situation was quite as painful to them as to Mark.
The latter grew desperate.
"Now," said he, raising his voice in a way which put up Ainger's back.
"You four boys are in the Sixth, and I understand that the discipline of the house is pretty much in your hands.

I shall have to depend on you; and if things go wrong, of course I shall naturally hold you responsible." Ainger flushed up at this; while Stafford, on whom the master's eyes were fixed, vaguely nodded his head.
"I am very anxious for the house to get a good name for order, and work--and," added he, "I hope we shall be able to do something at sports, too." Here, at least, the master expected he would meet with a response.

But Ainger, the boy chiefly interested in sports, was sulking; and Barnworth, who also was an athlete, was too absorbed in speculating what remark was maturing itself in Felgate's mind to heed what was being said.
"I suppose the house has an eleven--for instance ?" "Yes, generally," said Stafford.
Felgate now came in with his remark.
"Something ought to be done to prevent our house being interfered with by Mr Bickers," said he; "there are sure to be rows while that lasts." "Oh," said Railsford, who had heard rumours of this feud already; "how are we interfered with ?" "Oh, every way," replied Ainger; "but we needn't trouble you about that, sir.

We can take care of ourselves." "But I should certainly wish to have any difficulty put right," said the new master, "especially if it interferes with the discipline of the house." "It will never be right as long as Mr Bickers stays at Grandcourt," blurted Stafford; "he has a spite against everyone of our fellows." "You forget you are talking of a colleague of mine, Stafford," said Railsford, whom a sense of duty compelled to stand up even for a master whom he felt to be an enemy.