Indeed, his object appeared to be more to get them to talk among themselves on matters of common interest to the school, and to let them see that his sympathy was with them in their efforts for the public good.
No reference was made to the state of affairs in Parrett's, or to the rivalries of the two captains.

That the doctor knew all about these matters no one doubted, but he took the wise course of leaving them to right themselves, and at the same time of making it very clear what his opinions were of the effect of disunion and divided interest in a great public school.
Altogether the evening was profitably and pleasantly spent, and when at length the boys took their leave it was with increased respect for the head master and one another.
The ladies, greatly to their relief, did not return to the scene.
"Miss Stringer," said Fairbairn, as the three walked together across the quadrangle, "doesn't seem to appreciate cricket." The others laughed.
"I say," said Bloomfield, "you put your foot into it awfully! She thought you were chaffing her all the time." "Did she?
What a pity!" replied Fairbairn.
"Of course, we were bound to help you out when you were once in," continued Bloomfield.

"But I don't fancy we three will be asked up there again in a hurry." They came to the schoolhouse gate, and Fairbairn said good-night.
Riddell and Bloomfield walked on together towards Parrett's.
"Oh, Bloomfield!" said the captain, nervously, "I just wanted to tell you that I believe I have been all wrong in my guess about the boat-race affair.

The boy I suspected, I now fancy, had nothing to do with it." "You are still determined to keep it all to yourself, then ?" asked Bloomfield, somewhat coldly.
"Of course," replied the captain.
At this point they reached Parrett's.

Neither boy had any inclination to pursue the unpleasant topic--all the more unpleasant because it was the one bar to a friendship which both desired.
"Good-night," said Bloomfield, stiffly.
"Good-night," replied the captain..