"A great green tear rolled down from the
frog's bulging eye, and splashed beside the bird's drinking-place. She looked up in alarm, and said, in the sweetest voice imaginable, 'Can I do anything to assist you?'
"'I am sure I don't know,' croaked Arthur, hoarse as if he had been born with a sore throat.
"'But what is the matter?' persisted the little brown bird, as more green tears splashed beside her.
"'The matter is that I am a frog, I suppose,' said Arthur, rather rudely.
"'Well, what of that?' still said the little bird. 'Frogs are very respectable.'
"'Are they, indeed; then I'd rather not be respectable,' said Arthur.
"'You shock me,' said the bird.
"'I don't wonder; it has been a great shock to me,' responded Arthur.
"'What has?' said the bird.