‘I haven’t noticed anything excessive,’ put in Reggie, who had hitherto been obscured by the shapely form of Miss Trimmer. He mentioned that he thought three such pretty wives were entirely wasted on an old Mormon like Caskowiski, especially as some of us hadn’t even one apiece. After this the tables were hastily cleared, and a few minutes later the Bursar of Thomas’, as he passed up St. Aldate’s, was edified by the spectacle of a large and interested crowd collected in front of the Maison Squiff. At the first glance he could only make out the back portion of someone who appeared to be conducting an orchestra, a hideous discord proceeding from the room; but on putting on his glasses he descried a gentleman standing on a chair and holding a top hat, which a lady, who was making a marvellous display of lingerie, kicked with astounding frequency amid loud applause. ‘The whole forming,’ as he subsequently remarked to his friend, a genial Tutor, ‘A motht degwading thpectacle for the undegwaduate, though, between ourthelves, I’ve theldom theen it better done, even at the Folies Berthères. I hope,’ he added plaintively, ‘that thethe young thcoundrelth didn’t thee me watching from the other thide of the threet.’ The Tutor, a request for more details meeting with no response, clutched his hat and started hastily for St. Aldate’s. After the dance was finished, it was discovered that Ruby and Reggie had silently left the room, ‘in order,’ as he subsequently explained, ‘to talk over Freddy’s stamp collection.’ We left them in possession of the drawing room, and departed in couples for the river, most of us turning up again just in time for Hall. On the following day we could see nothing of the dear girls as they had a matinée, and the Rajah succeeded in capturing them for tea. Owing to this I was able to meet Freddy, who was coming from his law lecture at St. Spirits’, about 12 o’clock, at Carfax: and having picked up Accrington at the O.U.D.S., we made our way to Butler’s, the florist’s. Here we encountered one of those startling obstacles that turn the brightest sunshine into overwhelming darkness. ‘We are very sorry, sir, but our Mr. Butler says he can’t possibly send any more bouquets round to the theatre on credit,’ said the slim young person in charge of the shop, with a weary air. As we could not manage to make up the requisite amount between us, Freddy, after a little tactful persuasion, induced her to fetch the proprietor from his lunch.