"He thinks this world was made for him," he said to himself. "There would be no place for me in it if he had his will." The broker's house was blazing with light, and already many of the young guests had arrived. Plants and flowers were to be seen in profusion, and the mansion wore a holiday look. Fred was dazzled, but did not allow himself to appear ill at ease. "Second floor back," said the servant who admitted him. Fred went up-stairs and arranged his toilet in the room appropriated to gentlemen. Three or four other boys were present, but he knew no one. With one of these, an attractive boy of his own age, Fred stumbled into acquaintance, and they went downstairs together. "Come with me." said the other boy, "we will pay our respects to Rose together." Fred was glad to have some one take him in tow, and said so, adding, "Won't you tell me your name?" "My name is George Swain. I am a Columbia schoolboy." "And mine, Fred Fenton. I am in Mr. Wainwright's office." Rose greeted both boys cordially. She glanced approvingly at Fred's dress. She had been a little uncertain whether he would be able to appear in suitable costume. "You won't forget our dance?" she said, smiling. "Oh, no; I am counting upon it." "Then put down your name here," and she presented a card containing the order of dances. "May I put down my name, too?" asked George "Certainly. I shall be pleased to dance with you." When his turn came Fred acquitted himself very creditably, thanks to his skilful instructor, Professor Saville. At ten o'clock a series of tableaux was announced. At one end of the dining-room a miniature stage had been erected, and there was a circular row of footlights. In the third tableau, Rose took part. She incautiously drew too near the footlights, and in an instant her dress caught fire. There was a wild scene of excitement. All seemed to have lost their presence of mind except Fred. Occupying a front seat, he jumped to his feet in an instant, stripped off his coat, and jumping on the stage wrapped it round the terrified Rose. CHAPTER XXVI. FRED BECOMES A NEWSPAPER HERO. "Lie down instantly! Don't be alarmed! I will save you," said Fred rapidly, as he reached the girl. He spoke in a tone of authority required by the emergency, and Rose obeyed without question. Her terror gave place to confidence in Fred. Her prompt obedience saved her life. A minute's delay, and it would have been too late. There was a wild rush to the stage. First among those to reach Fred and the little girl was Mr. Wainwright. He had seen his daughter's peril, and for a moment he had been spellbound, his limbs refusing to act. Had Fred been affected in the same way, the life of Rose would have been sacrificed. "Are you much hurt, my darling?" he asked, sick with apprehension. "Just a little, papa," answered Rose, cheerfully. "If it hadn't been for Fred, I don't know what would have happened."