The secret garden — Chapter Eight The Robin shows the way

　　Mary tried jumping rope a few times. She was slow! "Put on your coat and go outside and practice," said Martha. "Mother said I must tell you to play outside as much as possible. Just as long as you keep warm!"

　　Mary put on her coat and got her jumping rope. Suddenly she turned to Martha. "Martha," she said slowly, "it was your money, really. Thank you for the jumping rope."

　　Martha just laughed. "Run outside mad play."

　　The jumping rope was a wonderful thing. Mary jumped rope until her cheeks were very red. The sun had begun to shine, and a fresh wind blew. Mary skipped around some of the gardens. She saw Ben Weatherstaff working and talking to the robin, which was hopping on the ground next to him. Using the jumping rope, Mary skipped over to him. Ben looked al her curiously. Mary wanted him to notice her.

　　"Well!" he said. "What a surprise! Perhaps you"re a real child after all, instead of a sour old woman. Your cheeks are nice and red."

　　"I"ve never jumped rope before," said Mary. "I can only jump twenty times in a row."

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