ng.
Insufficiently draped in a brown-paper bag, it took Mr. Vyner's other
arm.

"You are quite useful," said Miss Hartley, with a bright smile.

Mr. Vyner returned the smile, and in bowing to an acquaintance nearly
lost a bun. He saved it by sheer sleight of hand, and noting that his
companion was still intent on the shops, wondered darkly what further
burdens were in store for him. He tried to quicken the pace, but Miss
Hartley was not to be hurried.

"I must go in here, I think," she said, stopping in front of a draper's.
"I sha'n't be long."

Mr. Vyner took his stand by the window with his back to the passers-by,
and waited. At the expiration of ten minutes he peeped in at the
door, and saw Miss Hartley at the extreme end of the shop thoughtfully
fingering bales of cloth. He sighed, and, catching sight of a small boy
regarding him, had a sudden inspiration.

"Here! Would you like some buns, old chap?" he cried.

The child's eyes glistened.

"Take 'em," said Mr. Vyner, thankfully. "Don't drop 'em."

He handed them over and stood smiling benevolently as the small boy,
with both arms clasped round the bag, went off hugging it to his bosom.
Another urchin, who had been regarding the transaction with speechless
envy, caught his eye. He beckoned him to him and, with a few kind words
and a fatherly admonition not to make himself ill, presented him with
the bananas. Then he drew a deep breath, and with a few kind words
he presented him with the bananas assuming an expression of gravity
befitting the occasion, braced himself for the inevitable encounter.

[Illustration: Presented him with the bananas 068]

Five minutes later Miss Hartley, bearing a large and badly-tied parcel,
came smiling out to him. The smile faded suddenly, and she stood
regarding him in consternation.

"Why--!" she began. "Where--?"

Mr. Vyner eyed her carefully. "I gave 'em away," he said, slowly. "Two
poor, hungry little chaps stood looking at me. I am awfully fond of
children, and before I knew what I was doing--"

"I've no doubt," said Joan, bitterly, as she realized her defeat. "I've
no doubt."

Mr. Vyner leaned toward the parcel. "Allow me," he murmured, politely.

"Thank you, Til carry it myself," said Joan, sharply.

Her taste for shopping had evaporated, and clutching her parcel she
walked rapidly homeward. An occasional glance at her companion did not
quite satisfy her that he was keeping his sense of humour under proper
con