I was not sure that, after all, a town-boy might not have a good time of it, living in a place like this, instead of in school.
Suddenly my reflections were disturbed by a shrill scream from the garden, followed by a little girl of five or six crying-- "Annie, Annie! Mamie's tumbled in; Mamie's tumbled in!" For a wonder I had my wits about me, and divined the truth at once.
With a bound I was down the steps and across the lawn, half knocking down the panic-stricken little messenger on the way, and at the river's edge, floundering piteously in about two feet of water, found the unfortunate little Mamie--evidently a twin-sister--more frightened than hurt, but perilously near to getting into deep water.
Her yells redoubled when she found herself grabbed by the sash by a stranger, and lugged most unceremoniously on to _terra firma_.
Scarcely had I achieved this gallant rescue, without even wetting my own shoes, when Annie, as white as a sheet, came flying on to the scene.
"It's all right," said I; "she's not hurt." Whereupon Annie most inconsiderately leaned up against a post, clapped her hands to her heart, and went or threatened to go off into hysterics.
And there was I, a poor unprotected male, left to face the squalling of two infant female children and a full-grown female nurserymaid! "Look here," said I, appealingly, "Mamie's soaking wet.

You'd better take her and dry her, before she gets her death of cold." This appeal had the desired effect.

It stopped the nurse's spasms and let loose her tongue.
"Oh dear, oh my! And I told her not to go through the gate.

Oh, you naughty girl you; and you.

Miss Gwen, for letting her do it.