Page:Anthony John (IA anthonyjohn00jero).pdf/74

 maybe for hygienic reasons—had stipulated that his twelve free scholars should wear their hair cut close. The custom had fallen into disuetude, but the name still clung to them. By the time they had reached the upper division they had come to be tolerated. But the early stages were made hard for them. Anthony was dubbed "Pauper," "Charity boy." On the bench the boys right and left of him would draw away so that they might not touch him. In the playground he was left severely to himself. That he was quick and clever at his lessons and that the masters liked him worked still further to his disadvantage. At first young Saunders stuck up for him, but finding this made him a sharer of Anthony's unpopularity soon dropped him, throwing the blame upon Anthony.

"You see it isn't only your having come in on the 'Foundation, he explained one day to Anthony, having beckoned him aside to a quiet corner behind a water-butt. "You ought to have told me your mother was a dressmaker."

"So is young Harringay's mother," argued Anthony.

"Yes; but she keeps a big shop and employs girls to do the sewing," explained Saunders. "Your mother lives in Snelling's Row and works with her