CHAPTER VI.

The Bridge over the Rhine.

"George," said Kate, speaking before she quite got up to them, "will you tell me whether you have been preparing all your things for an open sale by auction?" Then she stole a look at Alice, and having learned from that glance that something had occurred which prevented Alice from joining her in her raillery, she went on with it herself rapidly, as though to cover Alice's confusion, and give her time to rally before they should all move. "Would you believe it? he had three razors laid out on his table--"

"A man must shave,--even at Basle."

"But not with three razors at once; and three hair-brushes, and half a dozen toothbrushes, and a small collection of combs, and four or five little glass bottles, looking as though they contained poison,--all with silver tops. I can only suppose you desired to startle the weak mind of the chambermaid. I have put them all up; but remember this, if they are taken out again you are responsible. And I will not put up your boots, George. What can you have wanted with three pairs of boots at Basle?"

"When you have completed the list of my wardrobe we'll go out upon the bridge. That is, if Alice likes it."

"Oh, yes; I shall like it."

"Come along then," said Kate. And so they moved away. When they got upon the bridge Alice and Kate were together, while George strolled behind them, close to them, but not taking any part in their conversation,--as though he had merely gone with them as an escort. Kate seemed to be perfectly content with this arrangement, chattering to Alice, so that she might show that there was nothing serious on the minds of any of them. It need hardly be said that Alice at this time made no appeal to George to join them. He followed them at their heels, with his hands behind his back, looking down upon the pavement and simply waiting upon their pleasure.

1. Who was Kate speaking to?
2. What did she want to know?
3. Did she allow him to answer?
4. Was she shocked that he had something?
5. What was it?
6. What was his excuse for having them?
7. Where were they?
8. Who was on the bridge?
9. Was George talking to them?
10. Did this upset Kate?
11. What other belongings did George have?
12. Anything else?
13. HOw many pairs of boots did he own?

Provide a numbered list of answers.
1. George
2. whether he had been preparing all his things for an open sale by auction
3. no
4. yes
5. three razors laid out on his table
6. A man must shave
7. Basle
8. Alice and Kate
9. no
10. no
11. three hair-brushes, and half a dozen toothbrushes, and a small collection of combs
12. four or five little glass bottles
13. three