A short laugh was the only answer she got, and then to her infinite relief she heard a scuffle outside, and the door burst open.
"We've got it, we've got it!"
The boys paused abruptly when they saw that Christina was not alone. Dawn, seeing the bonnet on the table, made a dash at it, put it on his head, and danced round the table. Puggy, with a very business-like air, turned to the young woman.
"Hold out your hand, and I'll count the money into it, and mind you give me a proper receipt for it. I know all about bills. You can't take me in!"
Dawn paused in his antics to see the transaction, and Christina watched breathlessly whilst Puggy began to count out his gold and silver. He was inflated with pride and importance as he did so, but the young woman did not seem impressed; on the contrary, she laughed in his face as she wrote out the receipt and gave it to him.
"I hope the lady will like the bonnet," she said, as she took her leave; "it isn't often we send out such a specimen!"
"Now what did she mean by that?" demanded Dawn. "Something rude, I bet!"
Forgetting he still wore the bonnet, he dashed out of the room after her, and putting his head over the banister, he shouted out:
"It isn't often your shop mistress sends out such a specimen like you!"
A shout of laughter greeted him, and he saw three or four ladies and gentlemen in the entrance hall below looking up.