"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. Has anybody else been invited to read?"
"I think not," said Fletcher, proudly. "They rely upon me."
"Couldn't you get a chance for me? It would be quite an honor, and I should like it for the sake of the family."
"I shouldn't feel at liberty to interfere with their arrangements," said Fletcher, who didn't wish to share the glory with any one. "Besides, you don't read well enough."