"Oh, mamma doesn't want a doll," said Nan. "And she ought to have a real
automobile, not a tin one."
"Can't buy a real auto'bile," said Freddie. "Real auto'biles cost ten
dollars, or more."
"I'll tell you what to do," went on Nan. "You buy her a little bottle of
cologne, Freddie, and you, Flossie, can buy her a nice handkerchief."
"I'll buy her a big bottle of cologne," said Freddie. "That big!" and
he placed his hands about a foot apart.
"And I'll get a real lace handkerchief," added Flossie.
"You'll have to do the best you can," said practical Nan, and so it was
agreed.
When they left home each child had the money tucked away in a pocket.
They went in the family sleigh, with Sam as a driver. The first stop was
at Mr. Ringley's shoe store, where Mrs. Bobbsey purchased each of the
twins a pair of shoes. It may be added here, that the broken window
glass had long since been replaced by the shoe dealer, and his show
window looked as attractive as ever.
"I heard you had a window broken not long ago," said Mrs. Bobbsey, when
paying for her purchases.
"Yes, two bad boys broke the window," answered the shoe dealer.
"Who were they?"
"I couldn't find out. But perhaps I'll learn some day, and then I mean
to have them arrested," said Mr. Ringley. "The broken glass ruined
several pairs of shoes that were in the window." And then he turned
away to wait on another customer.
Soon the large department store was reached and Mrs. Bobbsey let Freddie
and Flossie take their time in looking into the several windows. One was
full of dolls, which made the little girl gape in wonder and delight.
"Oh, mamma, what a flock of dolls!" she cried. "Must be 'bout ten
millions of them, don't you think so?"
"Hardly that many, Flossie; but there are a good many."
"And, oh, mamma, what pretty dresses! I wish I had that doll with the
pink silk and the big lace hat," added the little girl.
"Do you think that is the nicest, Flossie?"
"Indeed, indeed I do," answered the little miss. "It's too lovely for
anything. Can't we get it and take it home?"
"No, dear; but you had better ask Santa Claus to send it to you,"
continued her mother with a smile.
Some wooden soldiers and building blocks caught Freddie's eye, and for
the time being his favorite fire engines were forgotten.
"I want wooden soldiers," he said. "Can set 'em up in a row, with the
sword-man in front, an' the man with the drum."
"Perhaps Santa Claus will bring you some soldiers in your stocking,
Freddie."
"Stocking ain't big enough--want big ones, like that," and he pointed
with his chubby hand.
"Well, let us wait and see what Santa Claus can do," said Mrs. Bobbsey.
Inside of the store was a candy counter near the doorway, and there was
no peace for Mrs. Bobbsey until she had purchased some chocolate drops
for Flossie, and a long peppermint cane for Freddie. Then they walked
around, down one aisle and up another, admiring the many things which
were displayed.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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