“Please do give them to me?” implored Jessie.
“I want to skate on the carpet, first,” said Charlie, still trying to buckle on the skates.
“Do ask him to give them to me?” said Jessie, addressing Emily.
“There, take your old skates!” cried the boy, throwing them violently across the room.
The fact was, he did not understand the mystery of straps and buckles in which the skates were involved. Hence his desire to try the skates was borne away upon the current of his impatience, and thereby the little party escaped a scene for the time being.
But it was only for a time. Charlie had been so used to have his own way and to oppose the wishes of others, that he seemed to find his pleasure in spoiling the delights of others. Hence, when the hour for tea arrived, and Jessie’s sweet little china tea-set, with its ornaments of gold and flowers, was spread out upon a little round table, he drew near to it and taking Jessie’s seat, said:
“I’m going to play lady and pour out the tea.”
“Nonsense, Charlie!” said his sister. “Take the next seat and let Jessie have hers.”
“I won’t,” muttered Charlie.
“Come, Charlie, do get out of your cousin’s chair! Young gentlemen don’t pour out tea for ladies, you know,” said Carrie in her most coaxing tones.