'How about that? he said.
'Clutterbuck seems to have done pretty well, said Paul.
'Yes, he's a splendid little athlete, said Grimes. 'Now just you telephone that through to the printers, and they'll get it done to‑night. I wonder if we ought to have a hurdle race?
'No, said Mr Prendergast.
CHAPTER VIII The Sports
Happily enough, it did not rain next day, and after morning school everybody dressed up to the nines. Dr Fagan appeared in a pale grey morning coat and sponge-bag trousers, looking more than ever jeune premier; there was a spring in his step and a pronounced sprightliness of bearing that Paul had not observed before. Flossie wore a violet frock of knitted wool made for her during the preceding autumn by her sister. It was the colour of indelible ink on blotting paper, and was ornamented at the waist with flowers of emerald green and pink. Her hat, also home‑made, was the outcome of many winter evenings of ungrudged labour. All the trimmings of all her previous hats had gone to its adornment. Dingy wore a little steel brooch made in the shape of a bull‑dog. Grimes wore a stiff evening collar of celluloid.
'Had to do something to celebrate the occasion, he said, 'so I put on a «choker». Phew, though, it's tight. Have you seen my fiancée's latest creation? Ascot ain't in it. Let's get down to Mrs Roberts for a quick one before the happy throng rolls up.
'I wish I could, but I've got to go round the ground with the Doctor.
'Righto, old boy! See you later. Here comes Prendy in his coat of many colours.
Mr Prendergast wore a blazer of faded stripes, which smelt strongly of camphor.