[CHAPTER II]
AN OPPORTUNITY MISSED
THE first week of the summer holidays had passed when, one morning, as Nellie and Tom Burford were standing looking into the window of their favourite sweetshop in the town, a handsome motor-car, painted dark green, with a chauffeur in dark green livery, drew up before the adjoining shop (a draper's), and an elderly lady, with a plain, kind face, got out of it.
"I shall not be long, Peter," the children heard her say.
"Miss Perry!" whispered Nellie, as the lady went into the draper's shop.
Tom nodded. He was gazing at Peter Perry, who, with Bounce by his side, occupied the seat behind the chauffeur's in the car.
"I wonder who the boy can be?" Nellie continued, in the same tone. "I never saw him before, did you?"
"Once," Tom answered. "He's Miss Perry's nephew. Have you decided what you will buy, Nellie?" he inquired.
"Yes," said the little girl; "caramels, I think. I'd have chocolates, only they don't last so long. You like caramels, don't you?"
"Oh, yes! I'll wait outside while you get them."