"Why, what's the matter, Fred. Didn't
you receive an invitation?"
"Of course, I could get an invite," lied young Ripley. "But the
plain truth is, I want to keep out of the affair."
"Why, what's the matter?" asked Clara, gazing at her escort in
astonishment.
"Haven't you heard the news?"
"What news?"
"That mucker crowd, who call themselves Dick &s Co., have been
invited."
"There's no harm in that, is there?" asked Clara Deane, quietly.
"Why, they're quite popular young fellows; certainly the best-liked
freshmen."
"Well, _I_ don't like them," retorted Fred, sullenly.
"And so, after inviting me to go to the ball with you, now you're
going to invite me to remain at home instead?"
"Oh, of course, if you really want to go, I'll see about it,"
muttered the sophomore.
But he didn't see about it, nor did Clara Deane again refer to
the matter. However, being an enterprising girl, Miss Deane was
not long in discovering that Fred was not going to the senior
affair for the very good reason that he _couldn't possibly_ get
himself written down on the invitation list.
Apart from the moral side of the question it is rarely worth
while to lie---to a girl, especially.
CHAPTER XXIII
THE NITROGLYCERINE MYSTERY SPEAKS UP
In one phase of its social life Gridley H.S. was especially sensible.
Since only a few of the boys could be expected to be able to
afford evening dress suits, it was a rule that none, even the
seniors, should appear at any of the class functions in these
fashionable garments.
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