“I read it in a book,” explained the Poodle.
“Then you didn’t hear it at all, so you are not telling the truth,” said the Guineapig severely.
“It’s the same thing,” argued the Poodle.
“It’s not!” said the Guineapig decidedly. “Now attend to me,” he continued; “has your cat left?”
“No,” said the Poodle, “she returned after she had eaten the fish.”
“Then,” said the Guineapig triumphantly, “if she’s not left she must be right, so you see you must call her ‘Right honourable’ in future.”
This answer seemed to give general satisfaction, and there was some attempt at applause, but the Husher called out severely, “Silence: next question,” and the Schoolmistress stood up.
“Mine’s French,” she said importantly. “Does any one here understand French?”
“I do, a little,” said Girlie, feeling quite proud of her knowledge.
Several animals on the same side of the room as herself leaned forward and stared at her curiously.