The child’s countenance fell, and she sidled towards Hallam, looking wistfully the while at Thisbe, who left the room reluctantly and closed the door.
As soon as they were alone Hallam threw down the paper, and drew the child upon his knee, stroking her beautiful, long, dark hair, and held his face towards her.
“Well,” he said sharply, “haven’t you a kiss for papa?”
The child kissed him on both cheeks quickly, and then sat still and watched him.
“That’s better,” he said smiling. “Little girls always get rewards when they are good. Now I shall buy you a new doll for that.”
The child’s eyes brightened.
“Have you got plenty of money, papa?” she said quickly.
“Well, I don’t know about plenty,” he said with a curious laugh, as he glanced round the handsomely-furnished room, “but enough for that.”
“Will you give me some?”
“Money is not good for little girls,” said Hallam, smiling.