It was a most lovely afternoon.

Not a trace remained of the previous day's rain; and the river--wide just there, as it took the sweeping curve of the point--was dotted with these little wager boats.

Their owners for the time being, in their white boating-costume, each displaying his colours, were in highest spirits; and the fair gazers gathered on the banks were anxious as to the result.

The favourite was Lord Hartledon--by long odds, as Mr.Shute grumbled.

Had his lordship been known not to possess the smallest chance, nine of those fair girls out of ten would, nevertheless, have betted upon him.