[She adopts Master Franky's disinterested suggestion.
A Mother. Now, Percy, it's all nonsense—you can't want any more toys—those you've got are as good as new. (To her Friend.) He's such a boy for taking care of his things—he'll hardly trust his toys out of their boxes, and won't allow anyone else to touch them!
The Friend. Dear little fellow—then I'm sure he deserves to be given a new toy for being so careful!
The Mother. Well, he'll give me no peace till I do give him something. I know—but mind this, Percy, it's only to keep you quiet, and I'm not going to buy Eddie anything. (To Friend.) He gives all his things away as it is! [Master Percy takes both these valuable moral lessons to heart.
Mrs. Stilton (to her less prosperous Sister-in-law, Mrs. Bloomold). Nonsense, Vinnie, I won't hear of it! Reggie has more toys already than he knows what to do with!
Mrs. Bloom. (apologetically). Of course, my dear Sophia, I know your children are born to every——but still, I have no one but myself now, you know—and if I might—it would be such a pleasure!
Mrs. Stilton. I have already told you there is not the slightest occasion for your spending your money in any such foolish manner. I hope that is enough.
Mrs. Bloom. I'm sure he would like one of these little water-carts—now wouldn't you, Reggie? [Reggie assents shyly.
Mrs. Stilton. Buy him one, by all means—he will probably take the colour out of my new carpets with it—but, of course, that's of no consequence to you!
Mrs. Bloom. Oh dear, I quite forgot your beautiful carpets. No, to be sure, that might——but one of those little butcher's shops, now!—they're really quite cheap!