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 *stood. "I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Not only for the—the wonderful gifts, but for the kindness, the—the dearness, if I may say it, of your action. It—it has affected me. That's why you must pardon me if I don't express myself better. I can't find the words just now. I'm—I'm in a daze, I think! Later, after I have had time to—to look at all the beautiful things in there and to properly appreciate what you have done I will try to thank you as I should. All I can say now is that"—a smile softened the grave lines of his face—"well, that you've made this the happiest birthday I've ever had!"

He bowed, tried to put his glasses in place again, failed, and literally fled into the office. And then the applause burst forth again, long and loud and continued, and Toby Sears called for "a regular cheer for Mr. Grayson, fellows, and make it good!" And it was good! And in the very middle of it the big gong clanged on the landing and, laughing and happy, the throng dispersed to the various rooms, more than one pair of eyes a little bit moist. Louise, frankly tearful, declared that she didn't care! It had been perfectly beautiful!

Later in the day, in assembly hall, Mr. Grayson