or, The Silver Skates 103

Nearly every one you see is built over a ditch. Probably I
feel it more, from having lived so long in England.”

“ Perhaps I shall notice it too,” said Ben, “if a thaw comes.
This early winter has covered up the fragrant waters for my

 

A SUMMER-HOUSE IN HOLLAND.

benefit. Much obliged to it. Holland without this glorious
skating wouldn’t be the same thing to me at all.”

“How very different you are from the Poots!” exclaimed
Lambert, who had been listening in a sort of brown study ;
“cand yet you are cousins. I cannot understand it.”

“We are cousins, or, rather, we have always considered
ourselves such; but the relationship is not very close. Our
grandmothers were half-sisters. AZ side of the family is en-