I'm Skimbley Clark, ye know; down t' the village.

Ma keeps a store there." "I'm pleased to meet you, Mr.Clark.Allow me to introduce to you my uncle and cousins," said the girl, her eyes dancing with amusement.
Skim acknowledged the introductions with intense gravity, and then sat down upon a straight-backed chair near the piano, this being the end of the room where the three girls were grouped.

Uncle John gave a chuckle and resumed his game with the Major, who whispered that he would give a dollar for an oil painting of Mr.Clark--if it couldn't be had for less.
Louise laid down her book and regarded the visitor wonderingly.

Patsy scented fun and drew a chair nearer the group.

Beth resumed her embroidery with a demure smile that made Skim decide at once that "he picked the pretty one." Indeed, the decision did justice to his discretion.