Visitors from the city came in droves and men of distinction sat on the platform.
The programme was a good one, but all eyes dropped to the bottom in quest of Belton's name; for his fame as an orator was great, indeed.
The programme passed off as arranged, giving satisfaction and whetting the appetite for Belton's oration.

The president announced Belton's name amid a thundering of applause.

He stepped forth and cast a tender look in the direction of the fair maiden who had contrived to send him that tiny white bud that showed up so well on his black coat.

He moved to the center of the platform and was lustily cheered, he walked with such superb grace and dignity.
He began his oration, capturing his audience with his first sentence and bearing them along on the powerful pinions of his masterly oratory; and when his peroration was over the audience drew its breath and cheered wildly for many, many minutes.

He then proceeded to deliver the valedictory to the class.