Then followed the offertory of beautiful bouquets and baskets of flowers from friends to the graduates. But the most beautiful offering there was a basket of delicate silver wire filled with fragrant pure white lilies sent by Emma Cavendish to Alden Lytton.
Laura Lytton, in a patriotic mood, sent a bouquet composed of red, white and blue flowers only.
The other ladies of the party sent baskets of geraniums.
The valedictory address was delivered by Alden Lytton, who had, besides, taken the highest honors of the college.
His address was pronounced to be a great success. And his retiring bow was followed by thunders of applause from the audience.
There were several proud and happy fathers there that day; but perhaps the proudest and the happiest man present was Victor Hartman.
With tearful eyes and tremulous tones he said, as he grasped Mr. Lyle's arm:
"My boy pays me for all—my boy pays me for all! He is a grand fellow!"
The people were all going out then.
"Come," said Mr. Lyle, himself moved by the generous emotion of Victor. "Come, let me introduce you to your boy."