Wilfered gazed upon this coin with an air of indecision. Finally, he picked it up (between a finger and thumb) and flung it into the till. His actions said plainer than words that he possessed a professional sentiment which was outraged at the thought of accepting this tainted money.
And then—for events move quickly in Bovingdon Street—who should come bouncing in again but the big girl whom he had previously dismissed—she of the immovable smile.
"Penny soothin' powder for a baby eight months owld," said the big girl.
Wilfered was at first unable to speak; but when he did so, it was with point and emphasis.
"I suppose," he said, with scorn, at the end of his address, "as you kin understand plain English? We down't sell powders. And if we did, we couldn't sell 'em for a penny. These powders cost us frippence. Did ye tell yere mother that?"
"Yus," responded the girl, "but mother says she can't 'elp your troubles."
Wilfered held on to the pill-tub and looked wildly about him. Then, with a deep-drawn sigh, he held out a powder and took the penny.
"What is the use o' arguin?" he demanded of your servant. "Look what you got to contend against."
XXXV
STILL MORE OF PRUDENCE