themselves up again, and go on."

"But I'm afraid they might get hurt and maybe tip me over too."

Harold only smiled at that, as he rose and left the room to attend to
the despatching of the messengers.

Grace wondered what he meant, but as the older people all about her were
busily talking among themselves, she went on quietly with her breakfast
and said no more.

"Are you a skater, my dear?" asked the captain, addressing his wife.

"I used to be a tolerably expert one and moderately fond of the
exercise," she replied.

"I should like the pleasure of taking you out this morning, for a trial
of your skill," he said. "Shall I send for skates for you?"

"Thank you, no; I think I have a pair somewhere about the house, and
perhaps can find another for you."

"There are several pairs of gentlemen's skates," said her mother. "I
will have them brought out for the captain to try."

He thanked her, adding that in case a pair should be found to fit, he
could have the pleasure of taking his wife out without waiting for the
return of the servant despatched to the village.

Upon leaving the breakfast table they all repaired to the parlor for