VIVIAN’S LESSON.
CHAPTER I.
WHAT BEGAN IT.
‘COME on, Vivian. It is high time we were going home; you know we promised mother that we would come off the ice at half-past four.’
‘Well, so we will; but it is only five-and-twenty past now, so we have plenty of time for one turn more. Come on, old stupid; you are always frightened of being late;’ and the younger of the speakers, a brown-eyed, mischievous-looking lad of about eleven, swung off with his three companions, leaving his brother standing watching them, a troubled look on his face.
He hated to make a fuss, and he did not want to leave the ice a moment sooner than he could help; but a promise is a promise, and he had given his word that they would be ready to leave the pond at the half-hour. It was later than they were generally allowed to stay; but it was Saturday afternoon, and there were signs of a thaw, so, as the ice might not last till Monday, their father had agreed to an extra half-hour on condition that they left the ice punctually and hurried home.
Vivian had given his word readily enough, and had meant to keep it; but now, as he flew round and round the pond, crying ‘Just one turn more,’ he seemed to have forgotten all about his promise.
Ronald sat down and took off his skates, then stepped on the path, and stood buckling them together.
‘Come on, Vivi,’ he entreated. ‘It is the half-hour now, and you know how anxious mother will be.’
‘All right,’ said Vivian a little sulkily, ‘I suppose I must; but it is an awful nuisance, when we may not have such lovely ice all winter again.’
‘I should think so,’ struck in Fergus Strangeways. ‘I am thankful that father doesn’t make us come in so soon. Why, the moon will be up in no time, and we will stay on quite late. Captain Laing and he are coming down before dinner, and Captain Laing promised to show us how to cut the “Figure Eight.”’