"They have gone ahead, sliding on the ice."
"And you do not practise sliding?"
"I am always afraid I shall fall down."
"The best way is not to be afraid; and then you don't fall down. See; no! hold fast. I shall not let you slip!"
And the gentleman and Matilda slid along the street for half a block.
"How do you like that?"
"Very well, Mr. Richmond, with you holding me."
"It doesn't give you courage, eh? Well, we will walk on soberly together. I didn't see you stand when Maria did last night?"
"Mr. Richmond, I did not know just what it all meant; and so I sat still."
"You did not know just what it all meant?"