human
I am a little bit sorry for the Officer, said the little girl.
gpt
He must have been a good deal hurt. And he must have felt very silly, too,
human
Almost worse than being hurt, isn't it? said the little Marionette.
gpt
Yes, I was a little sorry for him myself; but I think he deserved all he got.
human
Yes; because he _was_ a horrid bully, wasn't he? said the little girl.
gpt
And his men, too, were as bad as he. I always used to like toy-soldiers. I never shall again.
human
I should not like you to judge of all soldiers by the wooden ones I have told you of, said the Marionette.
gpt
We _have_ had in the shop sets of wooden and tin soldiers of the highest character; gallant fellows, beloved and esteemed by all. I will tell you of them to-morrow if you like.
human
I think, she said at length,
gpt
I would rather hear something quite different for a change. If you do not mind,
human
Not in the least, replied the little lady.
gpt
I shall think of a story that shall have nothing to do with soldiers, good, bad, or indifferent.
human
I have thought of quite a different sort of story to the one I told you yesterday.
gpt
Thank you, said her little friend.
human
Please begin.
gpt
Yes, she said as the little Marionette remained silent.
human
Yes--yes--_do_ begin!
gpt
Patience, patience! I am just considering for a moment if I have the story correct in every respect. It is now some time since it happened, and one's memory is apt to play one tricks when one is telling stories of other people. But I think I remember it correctly. So I will begin without further delay the history of: 'The Little Dancer.'