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."

The coat was carefully removed, and it was found that the chief damage
had been to the white dress. The little girl's injuries were of small
account.

Fortunately there was a physician present, who took Rose in hand, and
did what was needed to relieve her.

"It is a miracle that she was saved, Mr. Wainwright," he said. "But for
this brave boy----"

"Hush, doctor, I cannot bear to think of it," said Mr. Wainwright with
a shudder. "I can never forget what you have done for me and mine," he
added, turning to Fred, and wringing his hand. "I won't speak of it
now, but I shall always remember it."

Fred bl