The exercises proceeded in regular order until the President
announced a declamation by Fitzgerald Fletcher.
"Mr. President," said Fletcher, rising, "I must ask to be excused. I
have not had time to prepare a declamation."
"Mr. President," said Tom Carver, "under the circumstances I hope you
will excuse Mr. Fletcher, as during the last week he has had an
addition to his family."
There was a chorus of laughter, loud and long, at this sally. All
were amused except Fletcher himself, who looked flushed and provoked.
"Mr. Fletcher is excused," said the President, unable to refrain from
smiling. "Will any member volunteer to speak in his place? It will
be a pity to have our exercises incomplete."
Fletcher was angry, and wanted to be revenged on somebody. A bright
idea came to him. He would place the "printer's devil," whose
admission to the Society he resented, in an awkward position. He
rose with a malicious smile upon his face.
"Mr. President," he said, "doubtless Mr. Walton, the new member who
has done us the _honor_ to join our society, will be willing to
supply my place."
"We shall certainly be glad to hear a declamation from Mr. Walton,
though it is hardly fair to call upon him at such short notice."
"Can't you speak something, Harry?" whispered Oscar. "Don't do it,
unless you are sure you can get through."
Harry started in surprise when his name was first mentioned, but he
quickly resolved to accept his duty.
Pages:
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89