“Even as Athena spoke, Arachne grew smaller and smaller, until not a maiden, but a spider, hung from that marvellous web.
“And now, my friends,” finished Mrs. Orb Weaver, “need I tell you that we are the wonderful race of which Athena spoke, and need I add that we have inherited Arachne’s marvellous skill, and are truly the most wonderful spinners on earth? Now I am hungry and the meeting is adjourned.”
“So am I,” added Daddy Long Legs, “not adjourned, but hungry, and, by the way, do you imagine any one believes that old story?”
He winked at Ruth, and then moved away as fast as his long legs would carry him.
CHAPTER IV
MRS. MOSQUITO AND HER KIN
“Thou art welcome to the town, but why come here
To bleed a fellow poet gaunt like thee?
Alas! the little blood I have is dear,