“That’s right, Freddy,” shouted Carey, “he’ll not come now, I’ll answer for it.”
“You know he promised he would,” pleaded Henrietta.
“Uncle Roger has got hold of him, and he is as bad as the old man of the sea,” said Fred, “the post has been gone this half-hour, and I shall not wait any longer.”
“Think of mamma.”
“How can you talk such nonsense, Henrietta?” exclaimed Fred impatiently, “do you think that I am so awfully heavy that the ice that bears them must needs break with me?”
“I do not suppose there is any danger,” said Henrietta, “but for the sake of poor mamma’s entreaties!”
“Do you think I am going to be kept in leading-strings all the rest of my life?” said Fred, obliged to work himself into a passion in order to silence his sister and his conscience. “I have submitted to such absurd nonsense a great deal too long already, I will not be made a fool of in the sight of everybody; so here goes!”
And breaking away from her detaining arm, he ran down to the verge of the pond, and claimed the skates which he had lent to John. Henrietta turned away her eyes full of tears.
“Never mind, Henrietta,” shouted the good-natured Alexander, “I’ll engage to fish him out if he goes in.”
“It is as likely I may fish you out, Mr. Alex,” returned Fred, slightly affronted.