"T'other 'un next," he said, setting to work on the remaining skate.
When it was off, he looked up at her, and she darted a glance at him as
she rose which showed that his compliment (her feet were, in fact, small
and pretty) was appreciated.

"Allow me, Miss," he said to Gertrude, who was standing on one leg,
leaning on Agatha, and taking off her own skates.

"No, thank you," she said coldly. "I don't need your assistance."

"I am well aware that the offer was overbold," he replied, with a
self-complacency that made his profession of humility exasperating. "If
all the skates is off, I will, by Miss Wilson's order, carry them and
the camp-stool back to the college."

Miss Ward handed him her skates and turned away. Gertrude placed hers
on the stool and went with Miss Ward. The rest followed, leaving him to
stare at the heap of skates and consider how he should carry them. He
could think of no better plan than to interlace the straps and hang them
in a chain over his shoulder. By the time he had done this the young
ladies were out of sight, and his intention of enjoying their society
during the return to the college was defeated. They had entered the
building long before he came in sight of it.

Somewhat out of conceit with his folly, he went to the servants'
entrance and rang the bell there. When the door was opened, he saw Miss
Ward standing behind the maid who admitted him.

"Oh," she said, looking at the string of skates as if she had hardly
expected to see them again, "so you have brought our things back?"