Chapter XIV.
'NEARLY DROWNED.'
The winter was nearly over when a sudden sharp frost set in. Bobby and True were delighted to see the snow fall, and walk out when the pavements and roads were slippery with ice; and, when their father took them to the Serpentine to see the skating on the ice they were enchanted. Then, as the frost continued, he got them each a pair of skates, and gave them their first lessons in the art. He himself was a beautiful skater, as he had done a great deal of such sport in America; and then one Saturday he announced to them at breakfast that he should take them by train to a large piece of water in the country, and they should stay there the whole day.
'We will have a winter picnic; Margot must pack us up some sandwiches, and we shall not come back till dark.'
It was the first time he had proposed a whole day out, and the children were of course delighted.
As they were starting Mr. Allonby looked at his little son, who had skates in one hand, Nobbles in the other.
'I think you had better leave Nobbles at home, my boy; he will be in your way.'
'Oh, please let me take him! He would be so 'normously disappointed if I left him behind; he does love the country.'
Mr. Allonby laughed.
'Have your own way then.'