How many brothers and sisters have you ?" he asked.
He wished to create a diversion and gain time.

She answered promptly.
"Seven: four sisters and three brothers.

John, he's my oldest brother; Tom, he's next--he's eight.

Billy is the baby." This contribution of family history was a relief, and Livingstone was just trying to think of something else to say, when she demanded again, "What are the ages of your children ?" "I have no children," said Livingstone, thinking how clever he was to be so ready with an answer.
"I know .-- But I mean the children you want the toys for ?" Livingstone felt for his handkerchief.

The perspiration was beginning to come on his brow.
"Why,--ah--the same ages as your brothers and sisters--about," he said desperately, feeling that he was at the end of his resources and would be discovered by the next question.
"We will go to Brown's," said the child quietly, and, dropping her eyes, she settled herself back in the furs as though the problem were definitely solved..