"Bah! it's just the finest exercise."
"But what's your secret, Maud, without this silly nonsense?"
"If you try my bar I'll tell you."
"And won't you if I don't?"
"Not while water runs nor grass grows," said Maud in mock solemnity, buttoning on her gloves.
With an air of resignation Eugenia walked up to the pole. She was taller and heavier than Maud. Consequently, when she stretched out her long arms and took hold, her knees bent ungracefully a foot above the floor. Maud slipped behind her sister to hide her amusement.
"Now, draw yourself up with all your might," she cried. "You must put your chin on top of the pole."
"I can't!" exclaimed Eugenia, who, with all her tugging, could only raise herself a few inches and then let herself suddenly down again.
"You must!" said Maud; "any child could do better than that."
After another strenuous effort Eugenia stopped in disgust.