Her fears were somewhat relieved when the dwarfs gave another spring and came down this time in a respectable manner on their feet. Then, with a good many bows and flourishes, they began a speech.
“We are afraid,” said the first.
“That the fir-cones,” said the second.
“Were rather underdone,” finished up the first.
Olive really did not know what to say. She was dreadfully afraid that it would seem so very rude of her not even to have tasted the cones. But naturally she had not had the slightest idea that they had been intended for her to eat.
“I am very sorry,” she said, “Mr.——, sir! my lord! I beg your pardon. I don’t quite know what I should call you.”
“With all respect,” said the first.
“And considering the circumstances,” went on the second.
Then just as Olive supposed they were going to tell her their names, they stopped short and looked at her.