Skippy after a moment's deliberation, decided not to insult the hackman with an offer of seven cents and having consigned the unspeakable bag to the truckman proceeded on foot twirling his cane and trying to appear unaware of the admiration of the villagers who were particularly impressed by his perfect pants.
The Bedelle homestead was a large ornamental, turreted and bastioned mansion, consonant with Mr. Bedelle's increasing prosperity and Mrs. Bedelle's social importance.
"Gee, the Governor certainly ought to stand for a raise," said Skippy to himself, with a proper appreciation of the velvety lawns, the flower gardens and the green and white stables. Then he remembered the none too brilliant record of the scholastic year which was sure to come up for discussion and fell into a sudden despondency.
AS he turned up the walk, sister No. 2, aged fourteen and a half, came romping off the porch and the following conversation took place.
"You idiotic boy, why didn't you telegraph?"
"What's the use? I'm here," said Skippy to whom a quarter of a dollar was an object of reverence.
"Say, who let you put your hair up anyhow!"
"I say, Jack, awful glad to see you, honest, and let's stop fighting this summer. You help me and I'll help you."
"Getting on society airs," he thought, but out loud he announced: "All right, Tootsie, but see you don't begin. And if you want to help out, tell the Governor to make my birthday present in cash. I'm awfully strapped."
"Now for old Clara," he said to himself and remembering the last encounter when he had upset the gold fish over her, he braced himself for the shock. But to his profound amazement Miss Bedelle was honey itself.
"Good gracious, Jack, how big you've grown," she said after he had submitted to the second sisterly embrace, "and such style, too! What a fascinating tie! Dad and mother are out but Sam's just home. Come on up and see how nicely I've arranged your room. How are you anyhow?"
"Would this help any?" said Miss Clara extracting a ten dollar bill from a well-filled purse.
"The idea, you funny boy!" said his sister, blushing violently. "Run on now and see Sam."
"What's the matter with everyone anyhow?" said Skippy to himself. "There's a reason. There certainly is a dark reason."