The three drew back and looked at each other, so exactly like strange dogs that the tails only were wanting, it seemed to Hildegarde. She had difficulty in keeping her countenance. "What a comfort," she thought, "if I could only shake them all, and tell them to behave themselves!" But outwardly she was calm and smiling, looking from one scowling face to the other as if all were wreathed in smiles.
"And whither are you bound, boys?" she asked. "And what frolic is there on hand for to-day? If the snow would only come! I do want some tobogganing."
"There is good skating on Jimmy's Pond!" said Gerald. "We were just coming to see if you would go this afternoon, Hilda."
At the familiar name, Jack Ferrers glared so ferociously that Hildegarde almost expected to hear him bark, and to see him spring at the other lad's throat. Gerald perceived the impression, and hastened in pure malice to deepen it.
"I have been counting on a skate with you, Hilda; you remember the last we had together? I never shall forget it!"
Now Hildegarde had never skated with Gerald in her life, and she had no idea of putting up with this kind of thing.
"I shall be delighted to come!" she said, with a little ring of steel in her voice that all three lads knew very well; "if you can find a pair of skates for my cousin. I know you have a whole closet full of them. You would like very much to come, Jack? Very well, then, that is settled! We will be ready at three o'clock. Good-morning, boys! Bell and Gertrude will come, too, of course!"
And with a quick, decided nod she walked on, Jack following after, after a defiant bow which was returned with interest.
The cousins walked on in silence for a few steps; then—
"I don't think you really misunderstood what I said, Hildegarde!" said Jack, coldly. "I did not say that I should like to go skating. I said I should be unable to go. Of course it is of no consequence."