"Mrs. Cricklade was vexed, certainly," replied Ollie. "Ruthie, if you had plenty of money, what present would you give me to-day?"
"A pair of shoes," was the prompt reply.
MRS. SHORT WAS SUNNING HERSELF AT HER OPEN WINDOW.
"No, no, you stupid Ruthie," the boy cried, with another laugh. "If you had plenty of money, you would have bought me new shoes when that great hole came," peeping at his foot as he spoke. "Something for pleasure, Ruthie."
"Should you like a book—with coloured pictures, of course?"
"Yes; but I would rather have a knife with two blades in it."
"Very well," said Ruth, "I would give you a knife with two blades in it; and you, Ollie, would cut yourself badly before night; so it is as well for your sake that I have not plenty of money."
How long Ralph would have stood watching them—he had never noticed children much before, not even his own son—I do not know; but at this moment Ollie caught sight of him.
"Ruthie, here is a man," said he.