He was suave and easy.

A diamond was on his little finger.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he began.

There was an instant silence.

"This is indeed a happy occasion.

I--I am glad to be here to-night; to be a witness to such good fortune; to partake in these--in this celebration.
Why, I feel almost as glad as if I had held four three oughts twelve myself; as if the five thousand were mine instead of belonging to our charming hostess.