“Gracious!” he cried, in an alarmed voice, after he had done so. “It’s worse than ever; he is turning paler than he was before. Pray run into the next room and ask how the seals’ tea is getting on.”
Girlie got up again and went into the kitchen.
The Seals had left their washtubs, and were sitting around the fire on little three-legged stools, eating rather thick bread-and-butter; and the eldest Seal was just pouring out tea.
“The Crocodile wishes to know how your tea is, if you please,” said Girlie.
“Oh! give him our compliments,” replied the Seal, “and say that he is very well, thanks; getting quite strong, and is learning to draw very nicely. How is his poor tea, do you know, dear?” he added.
“Very weak,” said Girlie (“and likely to be so,” she thought).
“Do you mean to say you haven’t brought us any cake?” said the youngest Seal.
“No,” said Girlie. “I didn’t know you wanted any.”
“Well, go and fetch some then, and bring your teacup back with you,” said the Seal. “You shall have some of our tea, if you like; it will be better for you.”
Girlie thought so, too, and ran back to the other room to ask for some cake for the seals.