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. A hasty
meeting of the "Select Sociables" was summoned, by means of Braider,
that very evening, to take into consideration the action of the Club at
the forthcoming levee, at which it was agreed unanimously that, after
the Captain's threat, no member of that honourable body should, on any
account, show up.

Heathcote held up his hand for the resolution with the others, and felt
sure, in his own mind, Dick would have done the same.

"Mind, nobody shows up, on any pretext," said Spokes, as the meeting
separated. "We're on our honour, and, of course, no one mentions the
Club out-of-doors."

Of course, nobody would think of such a thing.

Heathcote felt a good deal concerned as the evening went on, and still
no sign came from Dick. It wasn't exactly kind to keep a fellow in
suspense like this. The only thing was to take the bull by the horns,
and announce what _