We were walking along the bank, I with my nose in the air, he white with rage. It wasn't easy to make him lose his temper, but when you did succeed, he was wicked.
"This will do. I won't trouble you for your assistance. I prefer to put on my own skates, thank you."
He dug his heel right through the ice.
"Do you call this strong?"
"I wish you would not do that. You forget that I am not quite so heavy as you." We went on a little further. Then I stood on the edge. "You perceive that it will bear me. Now--for about the dozenth time--will you give me my skates?"
"I will put them on for you."
"I have already told you that I will do that for myself."
"Don't be absurd. Sit down on the bank." He spoke to me as if I were a slave. As it was evidently useless to remonstrate, I obeyed, placing myself on the sloping bank. "There is a condition I must make. If I put your skates on first you must promise not to start till I am ready."
"I shall promise nothing of the kind."
"Then in that case I am afraid I shall have to keep you waiting till I am equipped."