"I never will go anywhere to meet gentlemen again," said Miss
Holmes. "It is most preposterous that ladies should be left in the
snow for an hour. Well, young men, what sport have you had?"

"I shot the big black cock," said Harry.

"Did you indeed?" said Kate Coverdale.

"And here are the feathers out of his tail for you. He dropped them
in the water, and I had to go in after them up to my middle. But I
told you that I would, so I was determined to get them."

"Oh, you silly, silly boy," said Kate. "But I'll keep them for
ever. I will indeed." This was said a little apart, for Harry had
managed to draw the young lady aside before he presented the
feathers.

Frank had also his trophies for Patty, and the tale to tell of his
own prowess. In that he was a year older than his brother, he was
by a year's growth less ready to tender his present to his lady-
love, openly in the presence of them all. But he found his
opportunity, and then he and Patty went on a little in advance.
Kate also was deep in her consolations to Harry for his ducking; and
therefore the four disposed of themselves in the manner previously
suggested by Miss Holmes. Miss Holmes, therefore, and her brother,
and Bessy Garrow, were left together in the path, and discussed the
performances of the day in a manner that elicited no very ecstatic
interest. So they walked for a mile, and by degrees the
conversation between them dwindled down almost to nothing.