I wished Miss Plinlimmon to admire it first, and then I meant to enter the shop in a lordly fashion and, emerging, to put the treasure in her hands.
So I paced the pavement in front of Mr.Tucker's, the prey of a thousand misgivings.

But at length, and fully half an hour late, she hove in sight.
"I have been detained, dear," she explained as we kissed, "-- by Archibald," she added.
Always that accursed Archibald! "Did he wish you many happy returns ?" I asked, thrusting my bunch of columbines upon her with a blush.
"You dear, dear boy!" she chirruped.

But she ignored my question.
When we were seated, too, she made the poorest attempt to eat, but kept exclaiming on the beauty of my flowers.
The meal over, she drew out her purse to pay.

"We shan't be seeing Mr.Archibald to-day ?" I asked wistfully, preparing to go.
"You may be certain--" With that she paused, with a blank look which changed to one of shame and utter confusion.

The purse was empty.
"Oh, Harry--what shall I do?
There were five shillings in it when--.