t Lucy really let us?" cried Patty, brightening up at such
a delightful prospect.

"Why not? We'll go and ask her. Stuff that handkerchief in your pocket,
and come along now."

Horace knew exactly the right way to wheedle his mother, and very soon
persuaded her to allow them to start on their expedition.

"Patty must put on her fur," said Mrs. Pearson. "It is much too cold and
foggy for Muriel to go out. I heard her coughing last night."

"I don't want to go, thanks," said Muriel, who looked a little annoyed.
"Horace can please himself. I thought he said he was going to develop my
films."

"I'll do that another day. Be quick, Patty, or you'll find everything
bought up before you get there! I expect the shops will be crammed as
full of people as they'll hold."

It was in very different spirits indeed that Patty buttoned her boots,
and, donning her outdoor garments, joined Horace, who was waiting for
her in the hall. It was freezing keenly, and the ground crunched
crisply under their feet as they walked down the drive. They were
obliged to wait nearly ten minutes for the tramcar, and it was bitterly
cold standing at the corner of the road, but Patty did not mind in the
least when she thought of her errand. It was almost dark before they
reached the town, and the streets looked bright and cheerful, with their
many gas lamps and electric lights shining out through the murky
atmosphere. Everyone appeared to be busy with Christmas shopping, and
the pavements were crowded with people gazing at the presents displayed
in the windows: and almost all seemed to be carrying a number of
parcels. There was such a happy, cheery feeling in the air, in spite of
the fog, that Patty felt inclined to smile at everybody she met, even
the conductor who came to collect their fares, or the stout woman who
sat next to her, and whose large basket was such an inconvenience. She
was beaming with joy as she and Horace left the car at the terminus and
walked down the main street, looking at the gay shop windows as they
went.

"I hope you've made a list of your presents," said Horace, "and then we
shan't waste time. I think the best plan is to go to a shop, ask for
what you want, and insist upon having it. Don't let them show you
half-a-dozen other things, and try to persuade you they're quite as
good."

"I haven't made a list," said Patty, "but I want to buy eight presents,
and only spend three shillings. It allows just fourpence-halfpenny