"I'm not giving any this Christmas. I gave a lot only a year ago."
"Oh, but haven't they paid you any wages since then?"
"Yes, a few trifling sums, only—— Quick, there's your mother!" I pulled Miss Middleton hastily into the nearest shop and shut the door.
"What fun!" she said breathlessly. "Mother loves hide-and-seek."
Mrs Middleton hurried past, covered with parcels, and dived into another door.
"It's quite safe now," I said. "Let's go and——"
"What can I have the pleasure of showing you?" said a soothing voice at our backs.
We turned round in alarm.
"Er—we only just—let me see, what was it you wanted?" said Miss Middleton to me.
"I don't really want anything. I was going to help you buy one of those—you know."