In the distance the last of the congregation, chiefly the old women and cripples who could not keep up with the rest, hobbled away through the white gate of the churchyard.
It had been previously agreed that if the ice would bear there should be skating in the afternoon and the squire was anxious to inform the party that the pond was in excellent condition.
"As black as your hat," he said cheerfully.

"Stamboul and I have been sliding all over it, so of course it would bear an ox.

It did not crack anywhere." "Do you skate, Mrs.Goddard ?" asked John.
"Not very well--not nearly so well as Nellie.

But I am very fond of it." "Will you let me push you about in a chair, then?
It is capital fun." "Very good fun for me, no doubt," answered Mrs.Goddard, laughing.
"I would rather do it than anything else," said John in a tone of conviction.

"It is splendid exercise, pushing people about in chairs." "So it is," said the squire, heartily.