Page:Stanwood Pier--Harding of St Timothys.djvu/175

Rh jumped about in his chair excitedly, and then with self-conscious art he finished his affecting peroration.

He felt in his heart that it would be a great deal better speech than any one else would make that evening, the only really polished and witty speech, the only one that would have any genuine life and originality. All the others would be like Frank Windsor's, entirely impromptu and commonplace. Harry swelled a little with pride in his accomplishment and in anticipation of the applause it would receive. It would be another proof to the fellows of his eminence.

The banquet was held in the choir-room over the library. All the eleven, all the substitutes, and two or three specially invited guests, of whom Philip Ward was one, sat down to it.

Mr. Eldredge and two other masters and Ward wore evening clothes. The boys had arrayed themselves in their best, and had at the outset an air of festive formality.

The two tables, of which one was much