Ray, though hoping for the best, could not be sure of the results of his examination, for the competition for rank in his class was very sharp, and he was working against students of great ability. The ten days that followed his examinations formed, therefore, a period of much suspense and anxiety to him. My work was finished on Friday, a little more than a week before Commencement; and that evening I determined to call upon Professor Fuller to learn, if possible, how I had succeeded in his department. Professor Fuller often gave advance information of this kind concerning his own branch of work; and on this occasion, showed no hesitation in telling me that I had secured a grade from him several points higher than ever before. Highly pleased at this information, I was on the point of leaving the professor’s house when I heard some one say,
“Good evening, Mr. Elder.”
Turning half around, I saw Miss Nettie Fuller standing at the other end of the piazza. I joined her at once.
“I have been waiting for you to come out, Mr. Elder,” she said; “for I have information that I know will interest—will interest some of your friends.” She hesitated on the word “some.”
“What is it?” I asked.
“There was a faculty meeting this afternoon, and the honormen were read off,” she said in a low tone of voice.
“Yes; and Ray Wendell?” I exclaimed eagerly. “How does he stand?”
“Mr. Wendell was chosen valedictorian. He was fourth in his class,” she answered quietly, but with an air of genuine pleasure in imparting such welcome information.
I could have jumped for joy.
“Is it really true?” I exclaimed. “Really settled beyond doubt?”