Sure enough, once they had reached the top, they found that the melting snow had already drained off the narrow brick path.

Even so, it was slippery walking, and for her part Blanche Farrow felt sorry that they had left the muddy road.
The party soon separated into couples again, Miss Farrow and Dr.Panton leading, while Bubbles and Varick came last, behind all the others.

"We must look just like the animals going into the ark," said the girl disagreeably.
Whatever the others might be feeling, Dr.Panton was thoroughly enjoying this muddy walk.

He found it singularly pleasant to be with agreeable, well-bred people, who were all so fit that not one of them, with the exception of James Tapster, had even asked him a question bearing on health--or the lack of it.

It had been pleasant, too, to meet Miss Brabazon again, for they had become friends, rather than acquaintances, over poor Mrs.Varick's deathbed.
Behind Dr.Panton and Miss Farrow--for the brick path which formed the crest of the embankment only held two walkers comfortably--were the least well-assorted couple of the party, Bill Donnington and James Tapster.