Page:The life of the insects by Čapek brothers.pdf/36

 he’ll bring you something nice. What would you like, piggywiggy?

Larva. Daddy, I’m bored here.

Ichneumon Fly. Ha, ha! That ’s a nice thing to say. Give daddy a kiss—Daddy’ll bring yousomething tasty. Would you like a follow of cricket? Ha, ha—not a bad idea.

Larva. I’d like—I don’t know what I’d like.

Ichneumon Fly. She doesn’t know what she’d like, bless her little heart. I’ll find something you’ll like—Ta-ta! Daddy must go to work now—Daddy must go a hunting and fetch something for his popsy-wopsy. Ta-ta! Go back now, poppet, and wait for your din-din. Ta-ta!

Ichneumon Fly. (To Tramp) Who are you?

Tramp. I?

Ichneumon Fly. Are you edible?

Tramp. Yes, I don’t think.

Ichneumon Fly. (Sniffing) No—not fresh enough—Who are you?

Tramp. Oh, any sort of skunk, I am.

Ichneumon Fly. (Bowing) Pleased to meet you. Any family?

Tramp. Not as I am aware of.

Ichneumon Fly. Did you see her ?

Tramp. ’Er? Who?

Ichneumon Fly. My Larva. Charming, eh? Smart child—And how she grows, and what a twist she ’s got. Children are a great joy, aren’t they?

Tramp. I’ve ’eard ;em well spoken of.

Ichneumon Fly. Well, of course they are, you take it from me—One who knows. When you