“What odd sixpence?” asked Girlie. “I don’t remember anything about a sixpence.”
“Well,” said the Doctor-in-law, “if you don’t remember it, it’s very odd, therefore it must be an odd sixpence; don’t you see, my dear?” and he held out his hand again.
“But I’ve already given you five pounds instead of three pounds seven,” said Girlie, getting hopelessly muddled.
“Well, my dear, don’t let that worry you in the least,” said the Doctor-in-law kindly; “I’ll overlook it this time, and, if you can’t find the sixpence, I don’t mind taking your watch instead. I see that you have a very pretty one.”
“I think it’s very unkind and greedy of you, then!” said Girlie, turning very red and feeling greatly frightened; for her watch had been given to her by her aunt, and she was allowed to wear it only now and then as a great treat.
“Not at all, my dear; you don’t look at these things in the right light,” said the Doctor-in-law. “Don’t you see that, if you can’t pay me the money, it is only fair that you should give me your watch?”
“But it is worth a great deal more than sixpence,” argued Girlie.
“Not at all!” said the Doctor-in-law, flourishing his watch about at the end of the chain. “Mine only cost a penny.”
“Yes, but yours doesn’t go,” objected Girlie; “mine does, you know.”
“Does what?” asked the Doctor-in-law.