So they waited, almost impatiently, for the time of meeting, both feeling almost sure that Osborne would fall into their net. The appointed time came. Matson was the first to read his production. Osborne came next; and his piece was much better than Matson's. Ralph noticed two or three blemishes, but pointed out many beauties in it.
Next it was Ralph's turn to read. "I am sorry to confess that I have nothing to read; but I promise to atone for this failure by doing my part faithfully in future."
"Poets ought to be ready at any time," remarked Osborne humorously, looking at Ralph.
"It is in order for them to fail sometimes, I think," replied Ralph; "especially if they are not born poets."
"Well, Ben, we must have yours, then. You will not disappoint us."
"I think you must excuse me this time," Benjamin answered, feigning an unwillingness to read.
"No, Ben, no excuse for you," said Osborne. "You have it written; I saw it in your hand."
"That is true; but after listening to such fine productions as we have heard, I am not ambitious to read mine. I think I must correct it, and dress it up a little before I submit it for criticism."
"That was not in the arrangement, Ben, when you suggested the exercise," remarked Ralph.
"You are prepared, and, of course, we shall not excuse you."