t for her at one
of the very large shops. He was not sure what the present was to be, but
he _thought_ that he would choose a pincushion, as he had seen some very
pretty little fancy chairs and sofas not long ago at this same big shop,
which Emma told him were pincushions. He knew exactly what part of the
shop to go to, and he had his money--a whole franc--that is about
tenpence of English money, in his little purse safe in his pocket.

They reached the shop without any adventure or misadventure, and soon
Laurence, holding the maid's hand, was walking slowly past the counters
or tables where lots of tempting pretty things were displayed. It was
some time before they found the particular table where the fairy-like
furniture was laid out. But at last Laurence gave a little cry of joy.

[Illustration]

"There they are, Emma," he said in German, "the dear little armchairs
and sofas and ottomans--blue and rose and white, and all with gold backs
and legs. Now which would Isabel like?"

It was a great question, but at last they decided on a rose-coloured
arm-chair. The price he was sure was all right, as Emma had seen that
the things were all marked one franc. But alas, when the shopman gave
Laurence the little paper bill, and the boy as proud as possible went to
the desk where it was to be paid, the clerk held out his hand,--

[Illustration]

"Five centimes more, if you please--one sou."

A sou is about the same as an English halfpenny, and it is often called
a "five centime piece"--for there are ten centimes in each _two_-sous
piece, just as there are four farthings in one English penny.

[Illustration]

"Another sou?" said Laurence. "But I have not got one. Emma, have you
got one?"

Emma had nothing at all in her pocket. It was stupid of her, but she had
not thought of bringing her purse. However it was so little, and she
began asking the clerk in her very bad French, mixed with German words,
to let the little gentleman have the pincushion for a franc.

The clerk shook his head.

"At least," said poor Laurence, "let me have it now and I will bring the
sou to-morrow, or my mamma will send it."

Again the man shook his head. Perhaps he was in a bad temper, perhaps he
did not feel the more good-natured because he may have thought the boy
and his nurse were German. For at that time the French nation did not
love Germans. Let us hope they have learnt better since.

"Pass on, sir," he said sharply, "you are block