“If you are going to ride with the Alphabet, your Majesty,” said the Wallypug hurriedly, when they had gone, “let me give you a little piece of advice. Sit perfectly still and don’t say a word and you will hear them talk. It’s most amusing, for, you see, they can only do or say such things as begin with the letter they represent. But you must be sure not to speak, or they will cease talking directly.”
Before he could say any more, the Porter returned, and, motioning Girlie to follow him, he showed her into another carriage, where she found the whole of the Alphabet sitting.
It was rather a squeeze to find a seat at all, but Girlie at last managed to settle herself in the corner against the window, and, as soon as she had done so, the Porter slammed the door to and, blowing his whistle, called out, “Right away”; and the train slowly steamed out of the Station.
Girlie determined to sit quite still, as the Wallypug had advised her, and, after a little while, this is what happened.
“She seems strangely silent,” said S, staring solemnly. “Supposing she’s stuffed!” she suggested stupidly.
“Ridiculous!” remarked R, rearranging railway rug.
“IT WAS RATHER A SQUEEZE TO FIND A SEAT AT ALL.”
“Probably pretending,” pouted P petulantly (petulant people perpetually pout).