“Of course there are some uncomfortable things, too, such as caterpillars, centipedes, and castor-oil; but, on the whole, it’s a most useful letter.”
“Yes; very different from some,” said the middle-sized Seal, who had not spoken to Girlie before.
“I had the letter ‘M’ sent to me once,” he continued, “and immediately had the measles, the mumps, and the megrims, and did not get over them till somebody kindly sent me the letter ‘T,’ so that I could have travelling with tranquillity, and Turkish delight. I wish some one would send me ‘G,’” he went on, “so that I could have gooseberries and greengages and grapes. I’m so fond of fruit.”
“Then I should think ‘F’ would be the best letter to have, wouldn’t it?” asked Girlie. “‘F’ stands for fruit, you know.”
“Yes, and frogs and freckles and five-finger exercises, too,” said the Seal. “No, thank you—not for me. One has to be very careful, I can tell you.”
Just then a great bell began to ring, and the seals got up hastily and went back to their washtubs.
“What’s that?” asked Girlie.
“The public meeting is about to commence next door,” said the eldest Seal. “Wouldn’t you like to go?”
“What is it about?” asked Girlie.
“To settle questions,” replied the Seal. “All the questions and answers are decided at these meetings. The Wallypug will attend in state,” he continued.