CHAPTER XIV.
THE ICE CARNIVAL.
It was in January, cold, sparkling, crisp, the ice on the dam above the river’s mouth thick and smooth as glass. There had been some very severe weather which the girls had welcomed as making it possible to skate. Now the weather was not so cold, but no approach to melting or thawing temperature.
“We haven’t had much skating for a long time,” said Eloise, as she skated around in a circle, chatting to Hilary and Lilian. Betty and Cathalina skated up in time to hear the remark.
“It is glorious!” declared Betty, “and yet it doesn’t freeze our noses or our feet. I hope it will not change before the carnival.”
“O, it can’t! The carnival’s tomorrow, you know.”
“It can do most anything, but I don’t believe that it will,” said Hilary. “I looked in the paper in the library and it said no change in temperature.”
“Is there going to be any competition for fancy skating among the girls?” Eloise asked.
“No,” replied Hilary, “all of us just skate our best during the time set and the judges pick out the most graceful and best skater. There is a second prize, too. But the boys do fancy skating.”
“Do you know what I think?” said Eloise impressively. “I think that Betty can get the first prize if she tries to skate her best. Do it, Betty. You have had practice at your aunt’s up in Canada, and are a born skater, anyway!”
Betty looked pleased, but replied, “I don’t know about that, Eloise, there are some good skaters in this school. Do you girls want me to show off a few extra whirls? Cathalina and I have been trying a few ‘stunts’ together this afternoon.”