“This little page would be nice to eat,” whispered Trepidation to her father; “don’t be too severe upon him.”
“There you are again with your absurdities! you have no force of character,” interposed Alarm. “If one ever listened to you, Heaven knows what would become of us.”
“We must, at any price,” said Dastardy, “get rid of this young vixen, and I feel sure that by attacking her in the rear——”
“I am afraid our last hour is come,” said Apprehension, bursting into tears.
“You are always the same,” said Alarm. “You would never tire of throwing the handle after the hatchet.”
“Why don’t you speak, sister?” said Dastardy to Timidity, who was hiding herself. “Let us hear your opinion.”
“I—but—I don’t know,” stammered Timidity.
“You never know anything,” answered Dastardy, giving her sister a pinch that nearly brought the blood, and then running away.
Poor Timidity gave a shriek that made all the family jump again. The Lord of Fear sprang back ten paces, and drew his dagger. Dame Coward jumped up and let fall her hare, which immediately hid itself under her petticoat.