The Argosy — page 384: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

My Saturdays. 361 had gone down, and a long frost set in with February, I began to feel quite at liberty to dispose of myself on the day which had formerly been appropriated to hospitality. Consequently I did not feel bound to be churlish when Herman Pothinger came in one Friday even- ing to entreat me to go to his villa the next day. “Tam going to have an entertainment, Mrs, Singleton, on Satur- day, of my own; but you seem to have a sort of vested interest in that day of the week, which will make me feel as if I had stolen it unless you condone my audacity by your presence.” “Oh, I’m not such a dog in the manger as to wish to keep a monopoly that I cannot use,” I said ; ‘‘ besides, it is a very good ex- change to be entertained instead of entertaining. What isto be the shape of your festivity ?” ** Pretty nearly the shape of the field next the garden, at the back of the house. It is nearly all flooded, from the overflowing of the pond in the corner, and the ice is magnificent. I have had it swept and watered until it is a perfect rink, and the weather is safe: there is not a sign of a thaw. So my mother and the girls are asking everybody who can put on skates or cares to look on, and we will have a jolly afternoon. ‘There will be music to skate to, and torches, and so on—and tea, of course.” “Torches and tea ; that is irresistible, provided I am not expected to walk round and round the pond all the afternoon, and pretend I am warm.” “Not a bit of it; you shall have a warm place to creep into, and a pretty place, too—you'll see. Only come.” Of course I went. ‘Theskaters had assembled to luncheon at two, and were vigorously at work when I arrived. Although Herman’s invitation had been short, on account of the uncertainty of all things glacial in England, his preparation had been ample. All round the little lake, bright-coloured bands looped up curtains of rough, dark stuff, supported by poles and ropes, so as to shelter the guests both from wind and from the eyes of the curious outside. Inside the circle were seats in abundance, with footstools and rugs, and chaufferettes for cold feet, while tea and coffee came hot from a nice little stove, presided over by a cosy maid. A band was established under shelter at a discreet distance, and the strains of lively dance music timed the movements of the performers. It was a glorious day, and the sight was a pretty one. Round and round they swept, back and forwards, swaying, gliding, whirling—rosy faces, soft furs, active figures ; the air was alive with chatter and laughter and music, and a half moon floated in the steel-blue sky, unextinguished by the pale sunlight, and looked down on the scene, taking no part in the mirth, but not disapproving of the poor mortals who could still laugh. Herman was one of these; he did not seem to feel it a trial that he could not join the fun on the ice, but moved about, playing the host to perfection, seeing to everyone’s wants, and making him- VOL. XXXVII. A A CONNIE OO KS (EO) m