She was at heart a gentle, little woman-child, endowed by nature with so much of tom-boy barbarism as was good for her.

Just now a feeling of contemptuous surprise overcame her kindliness and her aunt's training.

"There's your bag on the snow, and Billy will find your cap.

What does a boy want with a bag?
A boy--and afraid of snow!" she cried.

"Help him with that harness." He made no reply, but looked about for his lost cane.