"Well, my dear," she remarked, in her brisk, business-like way, "has your mother sent you to do her shopping for her?"
"No, please, ma'am," Molly answered, shyly.
"No? Then what is it, Molly?"
"If you please, ma'am, would you tell me how many pennies it would cost to buy a picture?"
"A picture! What picture? One of the prints in the window, I suppose?"
"Yes, ma'am. I mean the Good Shepherd."
"Oh!" exclaimed Mrs. Mugford, in great astonishment. "It's eighteen pence, and very cheap at that!"
"Eighteen pence!" said Molly, doubtfully. "Please, how many pennies is that?"
"Eighteen," Mrs. Mugford replied, with difficulty concealing an amused smile; then noticing the expression of dismay on the child's face, "Were you thinking of buying it?"
Molly nodded gravely. Mrs. Mugford surveyed her for a few minutes in puzzled silence.