As the--eh--president of the--eh--Cattlemen's Shakespearian--eh--Reading Circle, I am asked to present to--eh--Miss Spencer a slight token--eh--of our esteem, and--eh--to express our pleasure at--eh--being permitted," he bowed to the choking Mr.Moffat, "eh--to participate in this--eh--most glorious occasion." He stepped forward, and dropped into Miss Spencer's lap a small plush-covered box.

Her fingers pressed the spring, and, as the lid flew open, the brilliant flash of a diamond dazzled her eyes.

She sat staring at it, unable for the moment to find speech.

Then the assemblage burst into an unrestrained murmur of admiration, and the sound served to arouse her.
"Oh, how beautiful it all is!" she exclaimed, rapturously.

"I hardly know what to say, or whom to thank.