“Keeley! Keeley!”

　　Keeley turned her head to see Crispen bolting across the great hall toward her. She braced herself, having become well acquainted with the way Crispen “greeted” her.

　　He flung himself around her, nearly knocking them both to the floor, but Keeley’s preparation kept them upright.

　　She laughed and pried him away from her. “What are you about, Crispen?”

　　“Will you go outside and play with us in the snow? Will you, Keeley? Mama can’t go. Papa has forbidden her outside the doors. She’s not happy, but Maddie says ’tis good because Mama is ungainly and as round as a pumpkin and she might fall on the ice.”

　　Keeley...