1. Would you mind skating? The weather is nice and we have enough time.
2. Everybody agreed easily and the women began to ask Mr. Smith to join them.
3. Sam has not been out of practice for a long time: he didn’t like the idea of showing in the presence of the ladies that he couldn’t skate.
4. Ladies began to insist on his going with them and showing his skill.
5. It was no use saying that he had no skates: he was immediately suggested several pairs.
6. After that, Mr. Smith could not help going to the skating-rink.
7. When they reached the lake, Mr. Bobin put on his skates and began to make circles on the ice, not stopping for a minute to catch his breath.
8. Poor Mr. Smith stood for several minutes with his skates in his hands, not knowing how to put them on, began to screw them with the points behind.
9. Finally, the skates were put on. Before getting to his feet, Mr. Smith asked Sam to help him.
10. He started by noticing that it was very slippery: he could not even stand on the ice if someone did not support him.