I have a great big sleigh, and we will go off to a toy-shop, and presently I will bring you back home again." He had made his speech much longer than he had intended, because he saw that the child's mind was working; the cumulative weight of the sleigh-ride, the opportunity to play a part and to act as Santa Claus for other children, was telling on her.
When he ended, Kitty reflected a moment and then said quietly, "All right." Her tone was not very enthusiastic, but it was assent and Livingstone felt as though he had just been redeemed.
The next moment the child turned to the door.
Livingstone rose and followed her.

He was amused at his feeling of helplessness and dependence.

She was suddenly the leader and without her he felt lost.
She stepped into the sleigh and he followed her.
"Where shall we go first ?" she asked.
This was a poser for Livingstone.

All the shops of which he knew anything were closed long ago.
"Why, I think I will let you select the place," he began, simply seeking for time.
"What do you want to get ?" she asked calmly, gazing up at him.
Livingstone had never thought for a second that there would be any difficulty about this.

He was hopelessly in the dark.