"Why, I think I will let you select the place," he began, simply seeking for time.
"What do you want to get?" she asked calmly, gazing up at him.
Livingstone had never thought for a second that there would be any difficulty about this. He was hopelessly in the dark. Stocks, "common" or "preferred," bonds and debentures, floated through his mind. Even horses or pictures he would have had a clear opinion on, but in this field he was lost. He had never known, or cared to know, what children liked.
Suddenly a whole new realm seemed to open before him, but it was shrouded in darkness. And that little figure at his side with large, sober, searching eyes fixed calmly on him was quietly demanding his knowledge and waiting for his answer. He had passed hundreds of windows crowded with Christmas presents that very evening and had never looked at one. He had passed as between blank walls. What would he not have given now for but the least memory of one glance!
But the eyes were waiting and he must answer.
"Why—ah—you know,—ah—toys!"
It was an inspiration and Livingstone shook himself with self-approval.
"Yes—ah—TOYS! you know?" he repeated.
He glowed with satisfaction over his escape.
The announcement, however, did not appear to astonish his companion as much as he felt it should have done. She did not even take her eyes from his face.