And that afternoon Jasper was sleeping (nobody had told him, of course, of the result of Jocko's pranks), so Polly and Ben could steal off for a bit of Christmas shopping on their own account.
"I shall pay for the Shakespeare, for it's all my fault that Jocko did those bad things," said Polly, as they hurried along.
"No, it isn't, any more than mine," said Ben. "I oughtn't to have let him up there."
"But you said we better not, all the time," said Polly, truthfully.
"Well, and then I let him up," said Ben, "so I'm just as bad as you, Polly."
"Well, you did it because Jasper wanted Jocko so much," persisted Polly. "That's the only reason, Ben."
"Yes," said Ben, "but never mind what the reason is; I let him up all the same, so I'm going to pay for 'As You Like It.' You've got to buy a new pincushion, Polly."
"I know it," said Polly. "O dear me! How I wish there was time to make another one before Christmas."
"Well, there isn't. The very idea!" exclaimed Ben; "why, that is to-morrow. Besides, Jasper will want a new pincushion right away."
"I know," cried Polly, with a little sigh. "Well, let's buy that first. Candace has some little cushions, so I'll get one of her," and they turned into Temple Place and ran into the small shop.