And she put half of them in his hand. He dropped purse and coins on the hall carpet, and for a minute forgot to say “Thank you.”
“And here are yours, Master James.”
But James did not hold out his hand.
“Don’t you like peppermints?”
“Yes, I thank you.”
“Then why not take them? Gilbert has had his share.”
Jimmy dropped his eyes to the black ruffles on the lady’s skirt, then turned shyly away. Must folks always answer folks’ questions? Yes; he had been taught that they must. So, in a low voice, but, as I think, very bravely, he replied,—
“Mamma told me not to buy any candy to-day.”
“He’s been a naughty boy,” struck in Gilbert, who certainly might have kept quiet.