“About two hundred, I believe,” replied Beecham.
“Very well, Henning; you may select two dozen boys to go with you.”
“Thank you, Father. When may the feast take place?”
“Christmas day falls on Monday this year. Suppose you arrange matters for Wednesday. But Wednesday night there is to be the Seniors' play, isn't there?”
“Yes, Father,” said Bracebridge, “but I do not think that will interfere. We can have the last rehearsal in the morning, if necessary, or we can be back by three o'clock in the afternoon.”
“Very good,” said the genial President; “arrange everything with your prefect; but remember the matter drops unless the response is generous among the students. It would not do to send half a feast.”
“There won't be any danger of that, Father,” said Jack Beecham confidently.
“Very well. God bless you for your charitable intentions,” and they were dismissed.
Beecham was correct. The students, almost to a man, became enthusiastic over the proposed feast. Abundance of provisions from the boys' boxes was donated. Every boy, instinct with the spirit of the season, gave something and gave it willingly. Some were offended because they were not allowed to give as much as their generosity prompted. One or two who were inadvertently neglected were very much vexed over not being asked to give their share. Many wondered why the beautiful idea had not occurred to them before. Others were so certain in advance of the success of the banquet that they then and there proposed to make it an annual occurrence.