The winters were usually too mild in this part of the country to give
much opportunity for that kind of exercise. She was therefore the more
eager to avail herself of this one; for she was very fond of the sport.

Edward, Harold, and Herbert were all in the mood to join her in it and
were prepared to do so; and Rosie and Max too were equally fortunate;
but most of the others had come without skates.

But that difficulty could be easily remedied; their homes were not far
off, nor was the village, with its stores where such things could be
bought. It was decided to despatch messengers for the needed supplies.

"Papa," said Lulu, "may they get a pair for me? I'd like to learn to
skate."

He turned to her with an indulgent smile. "Would you? then you shall; I
will send for the skates and give you a lesson in the art myself. I used
to be reckoned a good skater in my boyhood. Would my little Grace like
to learn too?"

"No, thank you, papa, I'd rather walk on the ground, or ride."

"You shall ride on the ice if you will, little girlie," said Harold. "I
think I can find a conveyance that will suit your taste."

"You're kind to think of it, Uncle Harold," she said, with a dubious
look, "but I'm afraid the horses would slip and fall on the ice."

"I think not," he said; "but if they should they will only have to pick