“Yes, that’s it, smile away; but do it harder. I want you to laugh outright. Can’t you laugh?”
“Oh yes, when there is anything to laugh at.”
“Well, do it now.”
“But I can’t, please.”
“No; then I’ll make you.”
So saying, the young Cricket seized the little Glow-worm round the waist and tickled her.
Of course she laughed at first, and, to the Cricket’s delight, her face became wonderfully bright for a moment; but suddenly it became dim, for he hurt her, and she began to cry.
“You rascal!” exclaimed an angry voice, as the Grasshopper gave the Cricket a kick that sent him head over heels into the grass; “I felt sure you were after mischief, and I was right.”
“Oh, please, don’t kick him,” pleaded the little Glow-worm. “He didn’t mean to hurt me.”
“No matter. Get up, sir, and beg her pardon.”