most expected to hear him bark, and to see him spring at the other
lad's throat. Gerald perceived the impression, and hastened in pure
malice to deepen it.

"I have been counting on a skate with you, Hilda; you remember the last
we had together? I never shall forget it!"

Now Hildegarde had never skated with Gerald in her life, and she had no
idea of putting up with this kind of thing.

"I shall be delighted to come!" she said, with a little ring of steel in
her voice that all three lads knew very well; "if you can find a pair of
skates for my cousin. I know you have a whole closet full of them. You
would like very much to come, Jack? Very well, then, that is settled! We
will be ready at three o'clock. Good-morning, boys! Bell and Gertrude
will come, too, of course!"

And with a quick, decided nod she walked on, Jack following after, after
a defiant bow which was returned with interest.

The cousins walked on in silence for a few steps; then--

"I don't think you really misunderstood what I said, Hildegarde!" said
Jack, coldly. "I did _not_ say that I should like to go skating. I said
I should be unable to go. Of course it is of no consequence."

"Of none in the world!" said Hildegarde, turning upon him with gleaming
eyes. "The absurd behaviour of three ridiculous boys,--Jack! How could
you? I was so mortified,--so ashamed of you all! All! But you are my
own; I am responsible for your behaviour. I never--" but here she caught
a glimpse of Jack's face, and suddenly burst into a fit of laughter.

"Oh, it was so funny! Jack, none of you will ever know how funny it was.
I am very angry, but I--cannot--help laughing."

"I am glad you are amused!" said Jack Ferrers, stiffly. "It was worth
while to come home for that."

"Jack! I--I won't laugh any more--if I can help it! Oh, dear! If you had
only seen--"

But Hildegarde saw that her cousin was really hurt. Instantly she
controlled her laughter, and laid her hand quietly on his arm.

"Dear lad," she said, "you are not really angry, any more than I was.
Dear Jack, think about it a little!"

They walked on in silence. Jack was still smarting under a sense of
injury; yet the steady, friendly hand on his arm seemed to smooth down
his ruffled feelings, whether he would or no.

"You know how it is," he said, presently, speaking in a more natural
voice. "I have been thinking so long about the home-coming! I thought it
was going to be--just the same. I thought I should