Presently Peter and the Story Girl appeared , and we were all more or less relieved to see that Peter looked quite respectable , despite the indisputable patch on his trousers . His face was rosy , his thick black curls were smoothly combed , and his tie was neatly bowed ; but it was his legs which we scrutinized most anxiously . At first glance they seemed well enough ; but closer inspection revealed something not altogether customary . `` What is the matter with your stockings , Peter ? '' asked Dan bluntly . `` Oh , I had n't a pair without holes in the legs , '' answered Peter easily , `` because ma had n't time to darn them this week . So I put on two pairs . The holes do n't come in the same places , and you 'd never notice them unless you looked right close . '' `` Have you got a cent for collection ? '' demanded Felicity . `` I 've got a Yankee cent . I s ` pose it will do , wo n't it ? '' Felicity shook her head vehemently . `` Oh , no , no . It may be all right to pass a Yankee cent on a store keeper or an egg peddler , but it would never do for church . '' `` I 'll have to go without any , then , '' said Peter . `` I have n't another cent . I only get fifty cents a week and I give it all to ma last night . '' But Peter must have a cent . Felicity would have given him one herself -- and she was none too lavish of her coppers -- rather than have him go without one .
Dan , however , lent him one , on the distinct understanding that it was XXXXX be repaid the next week .
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