76 Tom Seven Years Old

fume. She advised him to take a white
pencil instead, that never required to be cut
as his did, and was made of smooth, shining
ivory.

“ And it’s nice and short,” said Tom. “It
will go into his waistcoat pocket. Yes, I'll
take that, please. Now I’ve settled. Do
let us go. I don’t care to look any more at
the things that other people are going to
buy.”

They went again into the street. A
number of people passed in and out of the
shop-doors.

“T hope,” said ‘Tom, looking at them, “that
they find it easier to choose what to carry
away than I do.”

“You haven't asked me what I bought,”
said his aunt. ‘ Wouldn’t you like to know ?”

“Ts it a present?” said Tom.

“Ves,” answered she.

“And how did you know what the person
would like best ?” said Tom.

“T guessed,” she answered.

“Oh!” cried Tom, “that’s what I’ve had