Good boatman though he was, he rarely cared to spend his strength superfluously, when nothing was to be gained by it, and had no fancy to row his skiff back to its moorings, as most of the others were already doing with theirs.

He leaped out.
"Any one but you, Hartledon, would be glad to come out of that tilting thing, and enjoy a rest, and get your face cool," cried the countess-dowager.
"I dare say they might, ma'am.

I'm afraid I am given to obstinacy; always was.

Be quick, Carteret." Mr.Carteret was hastily stripping himself of his coat, and any odds and ends of attire he deemed superfluous.

"One moment, Hartledon; only one moment," came the joyous response.
"And you'll come home with your arm and your ankle like your colours, Hartledon--crimson and purple," screamed the dowager.