"What does she do?" Philippe asked after a little silence.
"She plays the organ, and she sings," the man replied. "Now, you shall join her, and together you two should bring in much money."
His eyes gleamed. Philippe did not feel very happy. But he could not tell why. Perhaps he was just tired, and tomorrow all would be well.
Then suddenly from the street below, there came a howl. Philippe ran to the window and saw his dog, Trompke, below. The fat puppy was whimpering and calling his master. He had been forgotten outside.
Philippe smiled at Tom.
"That is my Trompke," he said.
They opened the door, and the puppy flew up the steps into Philippe's arms. Philippe stroked him, and then he told Tom how Trompke had helped him to sell the sister's lace. Tom was delighted.
"What a bright boy you are!" he exclaimed. "You shall continue selling lace for me. That is a splendid plan."