Roger gave him a nod, and George walked off. He passed a flower stall, then a book stall, and then approached the young woman. ‘What you got there then?’ George asked.

She looked up at him and George immediately noticed her shocked expression. He was used to that sort of reaction from strangers when they saw his face.

‘It’s … I … erm …’ she replied.

‘Look, I’m only here to warn you. The Old Bill come down here and if they see you trying to flog that bracelet, you’ll find yourself down the nick. They don’t take kindly to stolen goods being sold on the market.’

‘But it ain’t stolen!’ the young woman protested, ‘I found it!’

‘Yeah, all right, if you say so. It’s up to you, I’m just giving you the heads up,’ George replied.

He saw her unusually green eyes begin to well up and realised she was about to start crying. Judging by the state of her and the lad, he thought they looked like a pair of ragamuffins and had obviously fallen on hard times. He suddenly felt very sorry for her. ‘Please, don’t cry. I didn’t want to upset you. Tell you what, come with me to my stall. I’ve got a nice wool coat that would look smashing on you. You look half frozen,’ he offered.

‘Thanks, but I ain’t got no money,’ she answered, and sniffed.

‘Don’t worry about that. I’ve had the bloody thing for weeks now, can’t seem to shift it. It’s nice, mind, and a gift to you.’

George held out his hand to help her up and was glad when she accepted. He led her back to his stall, with the little lad in tow who was clutching a blanket around himself. Poor mite, he thought, hoping to find something suitable for the boy too.

Sarah felt so uncomfortable. She hated accepting charity, especially from strangers, but she was cold down to the bone and her teeth were chattering. She welcomed the thought of a warm coat to wear.

‘I’m Sarah, and this is my brother Tommy,’ she said.

‘Pleased to meet you both. Me name’s George and this ’ere is that coat I was telling you about.’

George held up a dark-blue coat, and then helped Sarah into it. She thought he was very gallant, and was pleased when the coat fitted well. She instantly felt warmer, but also embarrassed. ‘Thank you, George. I’m so grateful but I wish I could pay you for it. If I can sell this bracelet, I’ll come back and give you some money. How much do I owe you?’

‘I won’t hear of it. I told you, it’s a gift. Now, let me see what I can find for the young man,’ George said and turned to smile at Tommy.