Moved by an impulse of mischief, she ran over to where he was. "I'm waiting to see you do it," she said. "It's perfectly easy, isn't it?" turning to the boy. "I bet you two are dagoes," the youngster said by way of answer. "Dagoes don't know any more about snow 'n the fleas they bring wid 'em. Say, mister, this sled ain't your fit. Why don't you give your girl a ride?" "Will you?" said Dick Brown, glowing with pleasure at the suggestion. The park was filling up. Ahead on the path were two girls, one not more than a baby, clad in so many jackets that she looked like a little ball, sitting upright on a sled, which her little sister, in red coat and white hood, was pulling. She same running down the path, steering with accuracy and care. "I could do that all right," Brown said with assurance. "Won't you try?" "Oh, no, I couldn't!" "Please do," he pleaded. There were only children about, and, to Hertha, Dick Brown himself was beginning to seem just a big boy. The intoxicating air and the dazzling snow were breaking down convention and leaving her quite gay and daring. "Well, just a little way," she said curling herself up on the sled. Dick at once took off his overcoat and wrapped it about her, tucking it well under her feet. To her expostulations he paid not the slightest attention. "There you are, all right," he cried joyously, and ran with her down the path. The owner of the sled followed after, steering occasionally from behind when expert skill was needed, or firing a snowball at any boy who got in the way of their triumphal progress. It was glorious sport, and there was no knowing how long it might have continued had not Dick Brown, careless in his growing skill, looked away from duty for a moment and striking an obstacle in the path, rolled Hertha into the snow. Protected by his great coat she was entirely unhurt, both in person and in dress and she found herself laughing immoderately as he helped her up; but he was prostrate in his contrition. "I'm the stupidest hill billy in Casper County," he said. "I'd like to kick myself. Are you sure you aren't hurt?" "Of course, I'm not! The snow is as soft as a pillow. Don't mind, please, Mr. Brown, we've had such fun." "Have you? I have, but I wouldn't have dumped you out that way, not for a hundred dollars." "You could have done it for five cents." The snow was brushed from her dress and she was standing, her muff pulled over her arm, settling her hat in place. "It's not quite straight," he said and moved as though to put it right for her. She drew back, indignant. Was he going to be fresh and spoil everything after their jolly time together? "Excuse me!" he grew red with embarrassment. Here was a girl with whom evidently he must never practise the code of manners agreeable to the girls at his own home. He added somewhat lamely, "It's all right now." "I'm glad," she was her shyest self again; "and now good-by." "You won't let me take you home?"