We walked down the long white avenue , where everything was growing dusky , and I had told him all my troubles before we got to the end of it . He was so sympathetic and agreed with me that it was a pity people had to grow up . He promised to come over tomorrow and look at Don 's leg . Don is one of my dogs , and he has got a bad leg . I 've been doctoring it myself , but it does n't get any better . Sidney thinks he can cure it . He says I must call him Sidney if I want him to call me Nic . When we got to the lake , there it lay all gleaming and smooth as glass ... the most tempting thing . `` What a glorious possible slide , '' he said . `` Let us have it , little lass . '' He took my hand and we ran down the slope and went skimming over the ice . It was glorious . The house came in sight as we reached the other side . It was big and dark and silent . `` So the old place is still standing , '' said Sidney , looking up at it . In the dusk I thought his face had a tender , reverent look instead of the rather mocking expression it had worn all along . `` Have n't you been there yet ? '' I asked quickly . `` No . I 'm stopping at the hotel over in Croyden .
The house will need some fixing up XXXXX it 's fit to live in .
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