human
Where _can_ they be?
gpt
Well, how funny! exclaimed the little girl aloud.
human
How have _you_ got there?
gpt
Walked, of course,
human
You seem rather surprised, said the little Marionette.
gpt
Why?
human
Why, I never knew you could talk! she exclaimed, recovering a little from her surprise.
gpt
Or any other toy, either,
human
Life is full of surprises, remarked the little Marionette;
gpt
I wish you would tell me all about it, said the little girl, becoming bolder.
human
If toys can walk and talk, why don't children know it?
gpt
At the same time, she continued,
human
But how long will you be able to go on talking to me?
gpt
That I can't tell you. I can only say that our power of talking to a Mortal--a power which comes but once in the lifetime of every toy--generally lasts from a fortnight to three weeks.
human
You will be able to talk to me, then, every day that I am here! she exclaimed with pleasure.
gpt
I am only going to stay with my aunt and my cousin for twelve days longer.
human
How I should like you to tell me some stories of toys--a new story every day, you know. Couldn't you do that?
gpt
Before I attempt anything of the sort, I shall have to consult Father Christmas--the well-known and much-esteemed patriarch. As he is the Head of our Society, I should like to do nothing without his advice and sanction.
human
I _do_ hope he'll say 'yes', she said.
gpt
I want so much to hear stories of toys told by a toy.
human
I'll do my best to please you, said the little Marionette.
gpt
Come here at the same time to-morrow,--by yourself, for I can only speak before one Mortal at a time,--and I will see what I can do.
human
Thank you, she said gratefully.
gpt
Please give my best love to Father Christmas; and tell him if he says 'yes' I will see that Auntie puts him at the very top of the Christmas tree.
human
I should just like to ask you one thing before I go, she said.
gpt
Don't you and your partner enjoy dancing together?
human
Perhaps we do,
gpt
I thought so, remarked her new friend with some satisfaction.
human
Good evening! I shall come again to-morrow at this same time.
gpt
Well!
human
I have consulted Father Christmas, answered the little Marionette.
gpt
He is of the opinion that I may, without harm, tell you tales of _some_ of the toys. You shall therefore hear the most interesting stories I can remember.
human
That will be very nice, said the little girl.
gpt
Will you begin at once?
human
At once, she agreed, and began the story of
gpt
The Rabbit and the Mouse.