CHAPTER XX.
A LOST CAUSE.
The boy's musings confirmed him in the idea that his mother's scheme was entirely practical.

He didn't hanker much to marry, being young and fairly satisfied with his present lot; but opportunities like this did not often occur, and it seemed his bounden duty to take advantage of it.
He got the "store clothes" next day, together with a scarlet necktie that was "all made up in the latest style," as Sam Cotting assured him, and a pair of yellow kid gloves "fit fer a howlin' swell." Skim wasn't sure, at first, about the gloves, but capitulated when Sam declared they were "real cityfied." In the evening he "togged up," with his mother's help, and then walked over to the Wegg farm.
Beth answered the knock at the door.

The living room was brightly lighted; Uncle John and the Major were playing checkers in a corner and Patsy was softly drumming on the piano.

Louise had a book and Beth had been engaged upon some fancy-work.
When the door opened Skim bobbed his head and said: "Evenin', mom.

I've come a-visitin'." Beth conquered an inclination to smile.
"Won't you come in ?" she said, sweetly.
"Thankee; I will.