Cecile paid for the coffee and bread
and butter with her half sovereign; and though the man at the coffee
stall looked at it very hard, and also looked at her, and tested the
good money by flinging it up and down on the stall several times and
even taking it between his teeth and giving it a little bite, he
returned the right change, saying, as he did so, "Put that away
careful, young un, or you're safe to be robbed." But again the poor
look of the little group proved their safeguard. For Cecile and
Maurice in their hurry had come away in their shabbiest clothes, and
Cecile's hat was even a little torn at the brim, and Maurice's toes
were peeping out of his worn little boots, and his trousers were
patched. This was all the better for Cecile's hidden treasure, and as
she was a wise little girl, she took the hint given her by the coffee-man,
and not only hid her money, but next time she wanted anything offered
very small change. This was rendered easy, for the man at the coffee-stall
had given her mostly sixpences and pence.
The sun was now shining brilliantly. The day was frosty and bright;
there would be a bitter night further on, but just now the air was
fresh and invigorating. The children and dog, cheered and warmed by
their breakfast, stepped along gayly, and Cecile began to think that
going on pilgrimage was not such a bad thing.
Having no one to consult, Cecile was yet making up her plans with
rare wisdom for so young a child.
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