Smith and Pauncefote kept up their cheers for Ponty, but gradually dropped the groans for Mansfield, and altogether the howls of the Den toned down to the roar of a sucking dove as it got whispered abroad that Dick Richardson "didn't know." The two days that followed were days of suspense to the Den.
"Is Dick going ?" was the question every one asked.
"He doesn't know," was the invariable answer.
Under these circumstances, it will be understood, but little enthusiasm could be called up over the rival toilets of the fraternity.

Culver's dress-coat had been returned to its lawful owner long since, and for that reason, if for no other, he determined not to attend.

Heathcote's choker and white gloves were the worse for wear, so he was not anxious; and Coote, whose one strong point was a watered ribbon watch-chain, was rumoured to be weak in collars, and, on the whole, not a "hot man" at all, or likely to show up.
As to Dick, opinions were divided as to what he could do if he went.

It was known his "dicky" had fallen off, but, on the other hand, he had brought back a pair of patent leather pumps, which might make him feel it his duty to attend.
"Look here, old man," asked Heathcote, for about the hundredth time, the evening before the levee, "are you going, or are you not ?" "Don't know," replied Dick.

"Are you ?" What a question for a leader to ask his lieutenant! Dick knew it was ridiculous, but he guessed shrewdly it might choke off further inquiry.
And it did.
Heathcote, however, had other counsellors besides Dick, who were neither doubtful nor sparing in their advice on the great question.