But Alexander took his son, and, desiring his friend and the child’s nurse to wait for him there, he crossed over to the Strand, and went into a toy shop.
Left alone with the girl, Everage was sorely tempted to question her, but a sense of honor and delicacy prevented his doing so.
After a few minutes, Alexander returned to the spot, leading the little boy, who had his hands full of toys.
“Take him home to his mother now, nurse. The air is too sultry to keep him out longer,” he said, kissing his child and delivering him over to Pina.
When the girl had carried off her charge, the two gentlemen walked on a little while in silence.
Everage, in his anxiety, was the first to speak.
“That is a very handsome little boy,” he said.
“Yes, he is a fine little fellow,” answered Alick.
“He is very like you,” continued Everage.
“I suppose he must be since even I can see the likeness.”