“You stang it first,” said Tod. “This chap wouldn't sting—not for worlds. Stroke it!”
Biddy put out her little, pale finger but stayed it a couple of inches from the bee.
“Go on,” said Tod.
Opening her mouth a little, Biddy went on and touched the bee.
“It's soft,” she said. “Why don't it buzz?”
“I want to stroke it, too,” said Susie. And Billy stamped a little on Tod's foot.
“No,” said Tod; “only Biddy.”
There was perfect silence till the dog, rising, approached its nose, black with a splash of pinky whiteness on the end of the bridge, as if to love the bee.
“No,” said Tod. The dog looked at him, and his yellow-brown eyes were dark with anxiety.
“It'll sting the dog's nose,” said Biddy, and Susie and Billy came yet closer.