As Mr Hayward strode into the room, still innocent of what awaited him, he was assailed on all sides by the children begging to know what he had brought them. Ah, he said, it was really too bad – he had intended to bring lemon drops – but had forgot them – he had meant to pick up some pralines – but they had slipped his mind – had thought to buy sherbets – but had been distracted. He could only hope they would forgive him. Then, just as they began to think they were really to be disappointed, he pulled from his pocket a very large bag of sugarplums, which sent them happily away to the corner
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