No wonder old Sampson wo n't keep you longer than the holidays if you 're no smarter than that . Goodness , if I do n't settle that boy ! '' -- as the sound of fretful crying came from the kitchen behind her . `` What is wrong with William John ? '' asked Bertie . `` Why , he wants to go out coasting with those Robinson boys , but he ca n't . He has n't got any mittens and he would catch his death of cold again . '' Her voice seemed to imply that William John had died of cold several times already . Bertie looked soberly down at his old , well-darned mittens . It was very cold , and he would have a great many errands to run . He shivered , and looked up at his aunt 's hard face as she stood wiping her dish-pan with a grim frown which boded no good to the discontented William John . Then he suddenly pulled off his mittens and held them out . `` Here -- he can have mine . I 'll get on without them well enough . '' `` Nonsense ! '' said Mrs. Ross , but less unkindly . `` The fingers would freeze off you . Do n't be a goose . '' `` It 's all right , '' persisted Bertie . `` I do n't need them -- much .
And William John does n't hardly ever XXXXX out . ''
're 's asked catch get held need persisted said shivered