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CHAPTER XX

" Thanks," said Peter. He and Denis, being in the library, were invited by courtesy to the old boys' tea, and Peter had eaten a great deal more than any player. Hurlingham pushed his plate away. " I've forgotten how to eat, ma'am." Miss Fuller smiled, as she smiled at everyone. The sausage dish went round again, and bread and butter and scones and cake were passed up and down.
" Best tea I've had since this time last year," said Charlie Page. He blew out his cheeks and patted his stomach. The clatter of cups died away. Beckett was on his feet. He held a piece of paper in his hand. " I think you'd all like to know first how the house did last year." " Hear, hear," said Charlie Page.
" We haven't been so successful in school events as we hope to be in the future. In the football cup this time last year we were knocked out in the first round. In the lower boy we had a good side, but were unlucky to meet the winners in the second round. Lawrence and Humphreys got through three rounds of the junior fives, and in school house fives, Taunton and myself were lucky enough to reach the ante-final."
" Hear, hear," said Charlie Page, thumping a fork on the table.
" Owen Jones finished fifty-fourth in the school steeplechase." Loud laughter. Owen Jones had saved all his strength for an attempt to clear the water jump at the end of the course. He had landed on the further bank, but had slipped head over heels backward into the stream.
" In the summer half, the junior house four rowed well, but went down four places." Subdued laughter, and glances at Wren. Charlie Page looked grave.
" Manley was awarded his Lower Boats."
" Hear, hear," said Charlie Page.
" In the house cricket we drew Macfarlane's in the second round, who subsequently reached the final. The junior house cricket did better and might have played in the final if our only two bowlers, Royds and Lawrence, had not