“We are nearing the end of December 18,” said Pembroke.
“Yes,” said Sir Franklin, “and what is a week to-day?”
“A week to-day, sir,” said Pembroke, “is Christmas Day.”
“And what about children who won’t get any presents this Christmas?” Sir Franklin asked.
“Ah, indeed, sir,” said Pembroke.
“And what about people in trouble, Pembroke?” Sir Franklin asked.
“Ah, indeed, sir,” said Pembroke.
“And that reminds me,” Pembroke added after a pause, “that I was going to speak to you about the cook’s brother-in-law, sir: a worthy man, sir, but in difficulties.”
Sir Franklin asked for particulars.
“He keeps a toy-shop, sir, in London, and he can’t make it pay. He’s tried and tried, but there’s no money in toys in his neighbourhood—except penny toys, on which the margin of profit is, I am told, sir, very small.”