"Next year we're going to have skates," announced Twaddles importantly.
"Daddy said so."

Before they reached the pond, however, all ill feelings were forgotten,
and the sight of the glassy oval, well-filled with skaters, completely
restored the four little Blossoms to their usual good humor.

"Whee!" cried Dot, skipping with excitement. "Look how smooth! Let's
make a slide, Twaddles."

Meg and Bobby sat comfortably down in a snowbank to put on their
skates, and as they were working with the straps, Dave Saunders glided
up.

"You kids want to keep out of the center of the pond," he advised them,
not unkindly. "All the high school folks are out to-day, and when a
string of them join hands the line goes almost across the pond. If you
once slip, you're likely to be stepped on."

Meg and Bobby promised to stay near the outside edges of the pond, and
Dave skated off with long, even steps that carried him away from them
swiftly.

"It looks so easy," sighed Meg, standing up on her skates and wobbling
a little. "I wish I could skate the way Dave can."

"Well, we have to practice," said Bobby sensibly. "Daddy says if you
keep at it, by and by you find you're a good skater. Come on, Meg,
let's take hold of hands."