“I wish you’d take me, as Charlotte can’t go,” said Jerry.
The others looked at each other in surprise.
“You, Jerry!” they exclaimed. For the boy was of course debarred by his lameness from skating or any amusement of the kind, and he had often seemed to shrink from being a spectator of what he could not take part in, with a sensitiveness which his parents regretted.
“Yes, I. Why not?” he said. “Of course I would enjoy going more if Charlotte were to be there too, but I meant that I could have her seat in the dog-cart. I don’t take much room.”
“Are you to have the dog-cart?” asked Charlotte. “That is a piece of luck.”
“Yes; papa has to send Sam out that way with some message or papers or something, and he said we might get a lift. Of course we have to find our own way home, Jerry.”
“I know that. I can quite walk one way,” said the boy. “I needn’t stay long if I get too cold.”
“Very well. I’m sure you’re welcome to come, as far as I’m concerned,” said Arthur. “You must be ready at one, sharp.”
“I couldn’t have gone in any case,” said Charlotte. “We are to have an extra French lesson to-morrow—recitations, and it won’t be over till two.”
“What a sell,” observed Ted, “and on a half-holiday.”