“Indeed I am,” said Ray. “I knew it was in you, and am delighted to see you doing so well.”
“So am I, Howard,” I added, “and I have some good news for you.”
He looked at me inquiringly.
“The faculty met to-day, and the honormen were announced,” I continued.
“Yes, yes, and who were they?” he asked, leaning forward eagerly, and breathing rapidly.
“It is all right,” I said, seeking to relieve his anxiety at once; “you stand ninth in the class, and have an honorary oration.”
Howard’s face flushed, his head dropped, and he leaned heavily for a few moments against the mantlepiece.
“Why, Howard!” exclaimed Ray. “Is this true? I congratulate you, my dear fellow, with all my heart.”
“It is true, Howard,” I continued, “for I got the information through Professor Fuller.”
There was silence for a second, and then when Howard raised his face, I could see that his eyes were moist.