Downstairs I bought some cigars.
"For a little girl of four months," I said, "and she likes them rather full. Please don't argue with me. All your men chatter so."
"I must," said the attendant. "It's like this. If she is only four months, she is obviously little. Your observation is therefore tautological."
"As a matter of fact," I said hotly, "she is rather big for four months."
"Then it was a lie."
"Look here, you give me those cigars, and don't talk so much. I've already had words with your Master of the Sideboards and your Under-Secretary for the Toy Department.... Thank you. If you would kindly send them."
CHAPTER III
So there it is. I have given the spirit, rather than the actual letter, of what happened at the Stores. But that the things have been ordered there is no doubt. And when Margery wakes up on Christmas Day to find a sideboard and a box of cigars in her sock I hope she will remember that she has chiefly her mother to thank for it.