It happened that Marcus heard nothing about the quarrel until Jessie apprised him of the honorable office to which he had been chosen. He approved of the course Jessie had taken, and accepted the appointment; and as a third referee was wanted, they selected Oscar for that post. Shortly after this, Mr. Allen rode by, and Marcus, hailing him, asked permission for Henry to come over for a little while in the evening, which he readily granted. So it was decided that the matter should be settled up at once.
Henry arrived early in the evening, before the referees had commenced their business, Jessie being engaged with her duties in the kitchen. He was ushered into the sitting-room, where several of the family were seated, including Ronald.
“Mr. Allen said you wanted me to come over here, this evening,” he said to Marcus, with some embarrassment of manner, as he entered the room.
“Yes, walk in and take a seat—I’m glad to see you once more,” replied Marcus.
“Good evening, Henry,” said Ronald, very composedly, after the others had all saluted the newcomer.
“Good evening,” Henry feebly responded, blushing a deeper red than before.
“Been skating, to-day?” inquired Ronald.
“No,” replied Henry, in an almost inaudible tone, hitching uneasily in his seat.
“I have,” continued Ronald, warming up. “Oh, you ought to have been there, and seen Gil Bryant skate. Did you ever see him?”
“No, I believe not,” replied Henry, who was winking intently at the fire.