"Then put down your name here," and she presented a card containing the order of dances.
"May I put down my name, too?" asked George
"Certainly. I shall be pleased to dance with you."
When his turn came Fred acquitted himself very creditably, thanks to his skilful instructor, Professor Saville.
At ten o'clock a series of tableaux was announced. At one end of the dining-room a miniature stage had been erected, and there was a circular row of footlights. In the third tableau, Rose took part. She incautiously drew too near the footlights, and in an instant her dress caught fire.
There was a wild scene of excitement. All seemed to have lost their presence of mind except Fred. Occupying a front seat, he jumped to his feet in an instant, stripped off his coat, and jumping on the stage wrapped it round the terrified Rose.
CHAPTER XXVI. — FRED BECOMES A NEWSPAPER HERO.
"Lie down instantly! Don't be alarmed! I will save you," said Fred rapidly, as he reached the girl.