They knew he was soon going down, and they had visions of dancing with him in London, of finding an acquaintance, perhaps even a friend, at last, in those chilly London drawing-rooms, before which, if their mother knew no such weakness, they often shivered.
Falloden looked down upon them with a half sarcastic, half benignant patronage, and made himself quite agreeable.

From the barge next door, indeed, the Manson and Falloden parties appeared to be on the most intimate terms.

Mrs.Manson, doing the honours of the college boat, flattering Lady Laura, gracious to the children, and glancing every now and then at her two girls and their handsome companion, was enjoying a crowded and successful moment.
But she too was aware of the tall girl in white on the neighbouring deck, and she turned enquiringly to Falloden.
"Do you know who she is ?" "The Risboroughs' daughter--Lady Constance Bledlow." Mrs.Manson's eyebrows went up.
"Indeed! Of course I knew her parents intimately! Where is she staying ?" Falloden briefly explained.
"But how very interesting! I must call upon her at once.

But--I scarcely know the Hoopers!" Falloden hung over the barge rail, and smiled unseen.
"Here they come!--here they come!" shouted the children, laying violent hands on Falloden that he might identify the boats for them.
Up rolled a mighty roar from the lower reaches of the river as the boats came in sight, "Univ" leading; and the crowd of running and shouting men came rushing along the towing-path.

"Univ" was gallantly "bumped" in front of its own barge, and Magdalen went head of the river.