Ray, though hoping for the best, could not be sure of the results of his examination, for the competition for rank in his class was very sharp, and he was working against students of great ability. The ten days that followed his examinations formed, therefore, a period of much suspense and anxiety to him. My work was finished on Friday, a little more than a week before Commencement; and that evening I determined to call upon Professor Fuller to learn, if possible, how I had succeeded in his department. Professor Fuller often gave advance information of this kind concerning his own branch of work; and on this occasion, showed no hesitation in telling me that I had secured a grade from him several points higher than ever before. Highly pleased at this information, I was on the point of leaving the professor’s house when I heard some one say, “Good evening, Mr. Elder.” Turning half around, I saw Miss Nettie Fuller standing at the other end of the piazza. I joined her at once. “I have been waiting for you to come out, Mr. Elder,” she said; “for I have information that I know will interest――will interest some of your friends.” She hesitated on the word “some.” “What is it?” I asked. “There was a faculty meeting this afternoon, and the honormen were read off,” she said in a low tone of voice. “Yes; and Ray Wendell?” I exclaimed eagerly. “How does he stand?” “Mr. Wendell was chosen valedictorian. He was fourth in his class,” she answered quietly, but with an air of genuine pleasure in imparting such welcome information. I could have jumped for joy. “Is it really true?” I exclaimed. “Really settled beyond doubt?” “Yes, my father told me this afternoon. It is to be publicly announced to-morrow. Mr. Wendell was here last evening, and I could see that he was worrying over the matter, so I thought I would give you an opportunity to relieve his anxiety. There is no harm in his learning the news several hours in advance, and it might save him considerable suspense.” “Indeed it will,” I answered warmly. “I will take the good news to him at once, for I know it will lift a great load off his mind. It is very kind of you to let him know of it so soon.” “I hardly know whether I ought to have spoken or not,” she said, with a smile, “but when I saw you coming in, I couldn’t resist the opportunity of telling such agreeable news. Isn’t Mr. Howard also a friend of yours?” “Yes,” I answered. “Well, I don’t remember all the honormen, for the names were unfamiliar to me, but I do recollect my father saying that Mr. Howard was the ninth man in his class.” “Howard!” I exclaimed in surprise. “Is he an honorman? I wouldn’t have thought it. He always held a respectable position in his class, but I would never have picked him out for an honorman.” “My father said that Mr. Howard has improved wonderfully of late,” replied Miss Nettie. “Yes, he must have,” I answered; “and I’m very glad to hear that he has done so well. May I tell him the news, too?”