I don't think Lucy liked her walk the less for these occasional embarrassments.
'The scene upon the lake was beautiful.

One side of it is bordered by a steep crag, from which hung a thousand enormous icicles all glittering in the sun; on the other side was a little wood, now exhibiting that fantastic appearance which the pine trees present when their branches are loaded with snow.

On the frozen bosom of the lake itself were a multitude of moving figures, some flitting along with the velocity of swallows, some sweeping in the most graceful circles, and others deeply interested in a less active pastime, crowding round the spot where the inhabitants of two rival parishes contended for the prize at curling,--an honour of no small importance, if we were to judge from the anxiety expressed both by the players and bystanders.

We walked round the little lake, supported by Hazlewood, who lent us each an arm.

He spoke, poor fellow, with great kindness to old and young, and seemed deservedly popular among the assembled crowd.