'We'll have it out when the tea-things are gone.' But before the tea-things had come, an accident happened, which had been like to dismiss 'Crinoline and Macassar' altogether from the minds of the whole of the Woodward family.

The young men had, as usual, dined in town, and therefore they were all able to spend the long summer evening out of doors.

Norman's boat was down at Hampton, and it was therefore determined that they should row down as far as Hampton Court Park and back.

Charley and Norman were to row; and Mrs.Woodward agreed to accompany her daughters.

Uncle Bat was left at home, to his nap and rum and water.
Norman was so expert a Thames waterman, that he was quite able to manage the boat without a steersman, and Charley was nearly his equal.