“Hear! hear!” shrieked the Loon, and Buddie, who sat next him, jumped.
“Birds and quadrupeds,” began the Donkey (this wasn’t exactly the equivalent for “Ladies and gentlemen,” but it did very well), “I propose a toast in honor of the charming young person whose birthday we have gathered to celebrate, the Little Small Wee Bear.”
“Hear! hear!” shrieked the Loon, and Buddie jumped again.
“We can’t hear if you don’t keep quiet,” she said sharply.
“May she have many happy returns of this happy, happy day,” went on the Donkey, “and may the troubles she must grin and bear be few and far between.”
This speech was received with loud cheering, which ended in a dispute between the rival Doctors.
“Bear and grin!” Doctor Fox shouted down the table.
“Grin and bear!” Doctor Goose shouted back.
“I leave it to my learned friend,” said Doctor Fox, appealing to the Donkey.
“Who shall decide when doctors disagree?” said the Donkey, wagging his head.