You have only to make the most distant allusion to a tin-pedler in his hearing, and he will become furious." "Then I will be careful." "Oh, it won't do any harm.

The fact was, the boy was getting too overbearing, and putting on altogether too many airs.

The lesson will do him good, or ought to." Here the Society was called to order, and Oscar and Harry took their seats.
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.