"Then what difference does it make?" said Matilda.
"It makes a good deal of difference to the shoemaker," said Mrs. Laval; "for as often as he can bring in a new fashion he can make people buy new shoes. But how was it at Madame Fournissons?"
"It was all right," said Matilda. "She tried everything on, and made them all fit."
Mrs. Laval wrapped arms a little closer about the tiny figure on her lap.
"Now do you know," she said, "there is another piece of work you have got to attend to. Has Norton told you about Christmas?"
"Yes, ma'am; something."
"You know there is a great time of present giving. You must take your turn, with the rest. How will you manage it?"
"Manage what, ma'am?"
"Manage to get gifts for all these people? Shall I do it for you?"
"Why I cannot do it," said Matilda simply; "because I have nothing to get them with."