"It's all ma's fault, gittin' me laughed at, an' she won't hear the last of it in a hurry, nuther." "Be gentle with her, Skim," suggested Beth, softly.

"Remember she has to face the world with you by her side." Having no retort for this raillery, which he felt rather than understood, Skim seized his hat and fled.

Then Patsy wiped the tears from her eyes and said: "Wasn't it grand, girls?
I haven't had so much fun since I was born.".