PRESENTS for ALL

Taranaki Daily News, 20 December 1924, Page 2 (Supplement)

PRESENTS for ALL

Written and illustrated by

HILDA COWHAM.

u I say, Molly, how much have you got to spend on presents this year? ” “ Ten shillings,” said Molly, yawning. “ Why? ” “ Same here, ten ‘ bob,’ but—can’t we go- out and buy the things by ourselves? You see, we’re too old now to have Nanna always tagging round with us. You see, there's Mummy, she wants a ” “New powder box—a large one,” said Molly. “ And Daddy wants a new tie-pin ; that awful thing you gave him last year is a disgrace—he must have a really good one this time,” said I. “ And Nanna wants a silver thimble—she said so,” said Molly. “ And then there’s Aunt Emily and Uncle James,” we both groaned. “ Give her a brooch,” said Molly. “And Uncle James a new stick,” said I. We both laughed. “ Hope he won’t try it oh us,” we both said at once. “So that’s your new game—‘ grown up,’ are you?” said Nanna, when we told her. “Want to go shopping by yourselves, do you? Well mind you don’t get run over and expect me to nurse you, that’s all,” and she smiled. “ Let’s take a taxi and do the thing in style,” said I, jingling my pockets as the front door shut. Away we went, careering right into Oxford Street. Such a lovely ride—it cost three shillings and sixpence. We were grand ! ! 1 “ What perfectly scrumptious sweets! ” said Molly, as we alighted right opposite Cook’s Candy Shop. “Do let’s have some. We can eat them going along.” “What would Nanna say, eh?” said she, when her mouth was full, “Manners, children?” That tickled us immensely, and we next turned, munching, into the Stores. “Look, Dicky! Isn’t that a duck of a hat? Selina would look an angel in it. Only four and eleven. You shall have it, darling,” and, hugging Selina, she ran to the assistant. I don’t care for dolls, so I strolled to the other side and spied about. After a few minutes I returned to Molly. The hat was bought and put into a little box. “ There’s a perfectly spiffing outfit for my listening-in set over here, Molly. Do come and look. I must have it, I really must.” “ I’m hungry,” said Molly, when the set was wrapped up and paid for, “ can’t we have some lunch? Here’s the restaurant.” And in we both went. . . . “ Sorry I can’t give you a larger tip, waiter. It was a topping lunch, but I find funds have run a bit low, I’m afraid.” “ Molly ! ” said I, when he’d gone. “ I say, what about the presents? I’ve ov.ly twopence left! ” “How awful!” said Molly. “Why, I’ve only got sixpence! Whatever shall we do?” “ Take a bus home,” said I, bravely. How Nanna did smile! “‘Grown up’” I heard her mutter. Dad roared when he heard of it! ! ! ! Pussy purred; “ I*’s enough to make a cat laugh.”