Page:The book of Betty Barber (IA bookofbettybarbe00andr).pdf/67

 “Well, then, in my humble opinion you are in a pretty fix,” said Mary. “Now, if I were you I would make up my mind to cut three verses out, and do it too. You would certainly be more popular. I haven’t said so before, because I didn’t want to hurt your feelings; but do you think you are quite as popular as you were? Have you noticed that our friends on the other side of the road, the Owl and the Pussy Cat, the Walrus.”

“I know nobody who lives on the other side of the road,” said Lucy, quickly. “I have nothing to do with nonsense.”

“But, my dear,” said Mary, “what if the children prefer nonsense?””

“My love,” said Lucy, very crossly, “you'll say next they prefer nursery rhymes.”

“Well, don’t shout,” said Mary, “there are Jill and Bopeep outside the gate this minute. Don’t lose your temper, good little Lucy.”

“Good little Lucy losing her temper?” shouted Jill. “What can be the matter?”

“She says the children are sick of her because she has too many verses,” said Mary quickly.

“I think she might do with fewer,” said Jill, “Jack and I find three plenty.”

“If you will take my advice,” said Bopeep, “you'll get rid of some of those verses. If you don’t, you will find you will gradually lose them. How many children, do you suppose, really know all my verses? I shudder to say it; but most of them I find know only my first verse, and some of them never even take the trouble to find out what happens to my sheep’s tails. I’m getting quite out of patience with the children.”

“Don’t do that,” said Lucy.

“You must not do that,” said Jill.

“Take a nap, and you’ll feel better,” said Mary.

“Really,” said Bopeep, “you seem to think I am always wanting to sleep in the day-time,” and she walked past the gate and up the road. The other three looked at one another, and Mary shrugged her shoulders,

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