"I AM a toy."
"In that case," I said in some annoyance, "I can't stay here arguing with you. Good-morning." And I took my hat off for the third time.
"Don't go. Stop and buy me. You'll never get what you want if you don't take me with you. I've been in this place for years, and I know exactly where everything is. Besides, as I shall have to give away all your presents for you, it's only fair that—"
An attendant came up and looked at me inquiringly.
"How much is this THING?" I said, and jerked a thumb at it.
"The Father Christmas?"
"Yes. I think I'll have it. I'll take it with me—you needn't wrap it up."
I handed over some money and we pushed on together.
"You heard what I called you?" I said to him. "A thing. So don't go putting yourself forward."
He gazed up innocently from under my arm.