Anne asked Val why he did not go and look on; and he answered, because he didn't want to.
It was getting on for five o'clock when the boats were discerned returning.

How they clustered on the banks, watching the excited rowers, some pale with their exertions, others in a white heat! Captain Dawkes was first, and was doing all he could to keep so; but when only a boat's length from the winning-post another shot past him, and won by half a length.

It was the young Oxonian, Mr.Shute--though indeed it does not much matter who it was, save that it was not Lord Hartledon.
"Strike your colours, ladies, you that sport the crimson and purple!" called out a laughing voice from one of the skiffs.

"Oxford blue wins." Lord Hartledon arrived last.

He did not get up for some minutes after the rest were in.