Nurse. Oh, my dear child, what spelling! Curds begins with a C.
Muffet [decidedly]. No, nursie, I've done my spelling for to-day. You'll let me have it outside, won't you? Just for a treat.
Nurse. It won't be much of a treat if you spill it all on the path.
Muffet. No, I don't want to give the path a treat, do I? Oh, I'll be so careful, nursie, you'll see. Do let me.
Nurse. Very well then, just for once you may. But mind, you mustn't begin Curds with a K.
Muffet. I'll begin it with a spoon, dear nursie—that's best. I'll go and get it from the kitchen.
Nurse. And I'll go and fetch the darling baby. Bless his pretty heart for a popsy wopsy toodelums.
SCENE II
The grounds—a grassy hillock—some trees. Enter the Spider, prowling mysteriously.