Jim and Bettina stopped at the water’s edge. “Oh!” cried she, “I can’t get through!” The trouble shooter felt the impulse to offer his aid, but thought it best on the whole, to leave the matter in the hands of the lank schoolmaster.
“I’ll carry you across,” said Jim.
“I’m too heavy,” answered Bettina.
“Nonsense!” said Jim.
“She’s awful heavy,” piped Hans. “Better take off your shoes, anyhow!”
Jim thought of the welfare of his only good trousers, and saw that Hans’ suggestion was good; but a mental picture of himself with shoes in hand and bare legs restrained him. He took Bettina in his arms and went slowly across, walking rather farther with his blushing burden than was strictly necessary. Bettina was undoubtedly heavy; but she was also wonderfully pleasant to feel in arms which had never borne such a burden before; and her arms about his neck as he slopped through the pond were curiously thrilling. Her cheek brushed his as he set her upon her feet and felt, rather than thought, that if there had only been a good reason for it, Bettina would have willingly been carried much farther.
“How strong you are!” she panted. “I’m awful heavy, ain’t I?”
“Not very,” said Jim, with scholastic accuracy. “You’re just right. I—I mean, you’re simply well-nourished and wholesomely plump!”
Bettina blushed still more rosily.
“You’ve ruined your clothes,” said she. “Now you’ll have to come home with me and let me—see who’s there!”