threepence-halfpenny?"

Cook laughed.

"I was only pulling your leg, Master William. I've got one made and
locked up in the larder."

"That's all right," said William. "I--wanted them to have a cream
blanc-mange, that's all."

"Oh, _they'll_ have it all right; they won't leave much for you. I
only made _one_!"

"Did you say locked in the larder?" said William carelessly. "It must
be a bother for you to _lock_ the larder door each time you go in?"

"Oh, no trouble, Master William, thank you," said cook sarcastically;
"there's more than the cream blanc-mange there; there's pasties and
cakes and other things. I'm thinking of the last party your ma gave!"

William had the grace to blush. On that occasion William and a friend
had spent the hour before supper in the larder, and supper had to be
postponed while fresh provisions were beaten up from any and every
quarter. William had passed a troubled night and spent the next day in
bed.

"Oh, _then_! That was a long time ago. I was only a kid then."

"Umph!" grunted cook. Then, relenting, "Well, if there's any cream
blanc-mange left I'll bring it up to you in bed. Now that's a promise.