"Then we'll all go in together." One fellow had beaten them to the class ball, and that fellow was Tom Reade.

How he ever did it no one will be able to guess, but Tom flew home, got into his best, and had reached the ball before these young people appeared on the scene.
The happy young candidates-elect went with their companions to the cloak room.

Then, Laura on Dick's arm, and Belle clinging to Dave, the two couples entered the ballroom.

The strains of a waltz were floating out.

Abruptly the music ceased in the middle of the air, for Reade, standing beside the director, had motioned him to cease playing.
"Classmates and friends!" bellowed Reade, "it is my proud opportunity to-night to be able to be the first to announce to you some wonderful good news.