I think you've got a good point there. I see a young, confused human being trying to make the best of things. And yes, if he knows he's different but really doesn't have the tools to deal with that, I can see him trying his utmost to just be as 'normal' as he possibly can. I think he muddled along, taking his cues from his peers, not thinking about anything at all, and just being in a terrible muddle about things.

I wonder about who was telling the truth with the George leaving business. I can see Maurice's mother avoiding the truth and, if Howell is correct, George left to 'better himself', it's not exactly complementary to the Halls, is it? They must be, logically, 'lesser' which wouldn't please Mrs Hall overly much.

But poor bloody Maurice - the only person he actually liked has gone. Just like that, with no way of finding him again. In a situation like that, I imagine Maurice would tamp down his emotions even further, and be determined not to think or feel too much from then on.