The athletic ceremonies thus concluded, the two stood up together and shook hands heartily.
"Too stiff, Blyth--too stiff and shaky by half," said young Thorpe.

"I haven't kept you up enough in your gymnastics lately.

We must have some more leap-frog in the garden; and I'll bring my boxing gloves next time, and open your chest by teaching you to fight.

Splendid exercise, and so good for your sluggish old liver." Delivering this opinion, Zack ran off to Madonna, who had been keeping the Venus de' Medici from being shaken down, while she looked on at the leap-frog.

"How is the dearest, prettiest, gentlest love in the world ?" cried Zack, taking her hand, and kissing it with boisterous fondness.
"Ah! she lets other old friends kiss her cheek, and only lets me kiss her hand!--I say, Blyth, what a little witch she is--I'll lay you two to one she's guessed what I've just been saying to her." A bright flush overspread the girl's face while Zack addressed her.