'I'm shocked and appalled, ma'am.  Enterprising wean, though.'

'Aye, but no fur everyhin.  Ah had tae pay ma own money fur sum oh the sweeties, and the bottles oh fizz ah hud tae pretend ah wiz gettin fur ma maw.  Ah've still tae take full yins back tae her.'

'And how much were you charging for the pop?'

'Penny a cup.'

'Those your mum's teacups?'

'Aye, missis.  We'll no need thim till taenight.'

'I see.  Oh, hello.  Who's this, Kate?'

'This is Simon.'

'How do you do, Simon.'

'Hello, miss.  Katie, it's affy wet.  Ah want tae go hame.  Zat okay?  Ye cummin?'

'Aye.  Here's the Penny Dainty.  Dae ye want some lucky-bag sweeties an aw?'

'Awaye.'

'Ah'll gie ye them when ah get hame, okay?'

'Aw aye, that's gret.  Thanks, Katie.  Can we go noo, though but?  Ahm soakin.  Ah fell in the water jump.'

'Ah-hah.  Let me guess:  Simon here is your security.'

'Nut.  He's makin sure nun ah these wee shites nick ma money.'

'Same thing.  Katie, I'm sure you won't accept a lift from a stranger, but could you tell me where you live?  I'd like to talk to your mother.'

'Missis, you said ye widnae say anyhin!  Goad'll git ye fur crossin yer hert an hopin tae die!  Ye'll die, so ye will!  Aye, an ah'm no fuckin kiddin!'

'Kate, Kate, calm down.  I'm not going to say anything about the nature of your capital…about the pennies you used down the bus station.  I swore I wouldn't, and I won't.'

'Aye, well, ye'd better no.'

'Kate, is your mother very young?  I take it your father's not around, is that right?  That's a nice wee dress, but it's a bit thin for this weather, and too small for you.  You look hungry and too small for your age.  Do you go to school every day?  Are you doing well there?'