s, to the music.

At length the time for the distribution of the diplomas arrived, and the
names of the successful graduates were called out, and each in turn went
up to receive his diploma and make the customary deep bow, first to the
faculty and then to the audience.

Then followed the offertory of beautiful bouquets and baskets of flowers
from friends to the graduates. But the most beautiful offering there was
a basket of delicate silver wire filled with fragrant pure white lilies
sent by Emma Cavendish to Alden Lytton.

Laura Lytton, in a patriotic mood, sent a bouquet composed of red, white
and blue flowers only.

The other ladies of the party sent baskets of geraniums.

The valedictory address was delivered by Alden Lytton, who had, besides,
taken the highest honors of the college.

His address was pronounced to be a great success. And his retiring bow
was followed by thunders of applause from the audience.

There were several proud and happy fathers there that day; but perhaps
the proudest and the happiest man present was Victor Hartman.

With tearful eyes and tremulous tones he said, as he grasped Mr. Lyle's
arm:

"My boy pays me for all--my boy pays me for all! He is a grand fellow!"

The people were all going out then.

"Come," said Mr. Lyle, himself moved by the generous emotion of Victor.
"Come, let me introduce you to your boy."

"No, not now. Let me go away by myself for a little while. I will see
you an hour later at the hotel," said Hartman, as he wrung his friend's
hand and turned away.

Mr. Lyle joined his party, with whom he found the most honored graduate
of the day, who was holding his silver basket of lilies in his hand and
warmly thanking the fair donor.

Mr. Lyle shook hands with Alden and heartily congratulated him on his
collegiate honors, adding:

"We shall see you on the Bench yet, Mr. Lytton."

Alden bowed and laughingly replied that he should feel it to be his
sacred duty to get there, if he could, in order to justify his friend's
good opinion.

"But what have you done with your Californian, Mr. Lyle?" inquired Laura
Lytton.

"Sent him back to his hotel. By the way, ladies, he is a stranger here.
Will you permit me to bring him to see you this evening?"

"Certainly, Mr. Lyle," promptly replied Emma Cavendish, speaking for
all.

But then she gave a questioning glance toward her aunt, the chaperon of
the party.

"Of course," said Mrs. Fanning, in answer to that gla