But, father, what do you think?
Becky and Tiza don't care about their birthdays a bit.

Becky could hardly remember when hers was, and they never have any presents unless Aunt Emma gives them one, or people to tea, or anything.' "Well, you see, Milly, when people have only just pennies and shillings enough to buy bread and meat to eat, and clothes to put on, they can't go spending money on presents; and when they're very anxious and busy all the year round they can't be remembering birthdays and taking pains about them like richer people can, who have less to trouble them, and whose work does not take up quite so much time." "Well, but why don't the rich people remember the poor people's birthdays for them, father?
Then they could give them presents, and ask them to tea and all, you know." "Yes, that would be a very good arrangement," said Mr.Norton, smiling at her eager little face.

"Only, somehow, Milly, things don't come right like that in this world." "Well, I'm going to try and remember Becky's and Tiza's birthdays," said Milly.

"I'll tell mother to put them down in her pocket-book--won't you, mother?
Oh, what fun! I'll send them birthday cards, and they'll be so surprised, and wonder why; and then they'll say, 'Oh, why, of course it's our birthday!'-- No, not _our_ birthday--but you know what I mean, father." "Well, but, Milly," asked Mrs.Norton, "have you made up your mind what you want to do this birthday ?" Milly stopped suddenly, with her hands behind her, opposite her mother, with her lips tightly pressed together, her eyes smiling, as if there was a tremendous secret hidden somewhere.
"Well, monkey, out with it.

What have you got hidden away in your little head ?" "Well, mother," said Milly, slowly, "I don't want to _have_ anybody to tea.