They chased him three times round the pond and then, feeling tired,
eased up and took counsel together.

"I'm sure he must have seen us," said the younger girl. "What does
he mean by it?"

"Well, I have not come down here to play forfeits," said the other,
"added to which I want my breakfast. You wait here a minute, I'll go
and have it out with him."

He was standing only a dozen yards away. Alone, though not a good
performer on the ice, she contrived to cover half the distance
dividing them. The officer, perceiving her, came to her assistance
and greeted her with effusion.

[The Republican Idea in practice.]

"Oh," said the lady, who was feeling indignant, "I thought maybe you
had left your glasses at home."

"I am sorry," said the officer, "but it is impossible."

"What's impossible?" demanded the lady.

"That I can be seen speaking to you," declared the officer, "while
you are in company with that--that person."

"What person?" She thought maybe he was alluding to the lady in the
sledge. The chaperon was not showy, but, what is better, she was
good. And, anyhow, it was the best the girls had been able to do.