It was a greater honor to be solicited to give a public reading than to be elected President of the Clionian Society.
"They won't laugh at me now," thought Fletcher.
He immediately started for Oscar's room to make known his new honors.
"How are you, Fitz ?" said Oscar, who was in the secret, and guessed the errand on which he came.
"Very well, thank you, Oscar," answered Fletcher, in a stately manner.
"Anything new with you ?" asked Oscar, carelessly.
"Not much," said Fletcher.

"There's a note I just received.
"Whew!" exclaimed Oscar, in affected astonishment.

"Are you going to accept ?" "I suppose I ought to oblige them," said Fletcher.

"It won't be much trouble to me, you know." "To be sure; it's in a good cause.

But how did they hear of your reading ?" "Oh, there are no secrets in a small village like this," said Fletcher.
"It's certainly a great compliment.