CHAPTER XII.
ANTICIPATION The day before the fair Sandy employed a substitute at the post-office, in order to give the entire day to preparation for the festivities to come.
Early in the morning he went to town, where, after much consultation and many changes of mind, he purchased a suit of clothes.

Then he rented the town dress-suit, to the chagrin of three other boys who had each counted upon it for the coming hop.
With the precious burden under his arm, Sandy hastened home.

He spread the two coats on the bed, placing a white shirt inside each, and a necktie about each collar.

Then he stood back and admired.
"It's meself I can see in them both this minute!" he exclaimed with delight.
His shoes were polished until they were resplendent, but they lost much of their glory during subsequent practising of steps before the mirror.

He even brushed and cleaned his old clothes, for he foresaw the pain of laying aside the raiment of Solomon for dingy every-day garments.
Toward noon he went down-stairs to continue his zealous efforts in the kitchen.