“Certainly not,” said the Seal; “that’s for us.”
“How do you know?” said Girlie.
“Because there were three spoonfuls and there are only two of you, so it must be for us; now hurry back to the Crocodile, or he will think you are lost,” said the Seal.
Girlie took the teapot doubtfully, and went back to the other room. She found that the Crocodile had set the table while she had been gone.
“Will you pour out, please?” he said, seating himself, and motioning Girlie to the head of the table. “Did you hear how he is to-day?” he continued in an anxious tone when she had taken her place.
“Who?” asked Girlie.
“The tea,” said the Crocodile; “he has been very poorly lately. Ah!” he continued, while Girlie poured out the hot water, “poor little thing! poor little thing! How dreadfully pale and weak he is, to be sure!” and, taking the teacup from her, he gazed down into it anxiously. “Do you think a little milk would do him any good?” he asked at last.
“I don’t think it could possibly do any harm,” said Girlie, who felt very much inclined to laugh.
“Pass the milk-jug, then,” said the Crocodile.
Girlie did so, and the Crocodile poured a little milk into his cup.