So we drew up at the nearest chemist's shop, where I bought Gran'pa a soothing powder.
"Stick your tongue out," I ordered, when I returned to the taxi.
He protested at first, but soon gave way, and I carefully tipped the white pacifier into the centre of the scoop-shaped receptacle which he was holding out in readiness.
"Now swill it down with this," I said, handing him a glass of water.
Again he obeyed.
Then he settled back in his corner and fell sound asleep.
"This is cheerful!" I thought. "How on earth are we going to get him into the train at Waterloo?"
I considered the matter for a moment, and finally came to the conclusion that we should have to taxi home.
Much to Molly's delight, I broke the news to the reluctant driver, and away we sped at last.
When we got back, Nanny and I put Gran'pa to bed, gave him a glass of hot milk and hoped for the best.