COME in, old boy!”
Bertha was lying on the sofa reading a large book. She didn’t put down either her little feet or the book when her young brother-in-law came in.
He also had a book in his pocket, which he took out. Then he produced a box in silver paper.
“For you,” he remarked, and then immediately cut the blue ribbon with a penknife and proceeded to begin the demolition of the chocolates.
“A present for me?” said Bertha.
“Yes,” he said, taking a second one rather quickly and glancing at the second row.
“I’m so glad you’ve got me the kind you like. I hope you’ve got those with the burnt almonds that you’re so particularly fond of?”
“Oh yes, rather!”
“Thanks. That was nice and thoughtful of you; I know they’re your favourite sort.”