"I am sorry to be so late"
The spider, however, told her that he had secured a hall up two flights, and had arranged the chairs and a table, which were all the arrangements necessary for a meeting. He had seen a number of serious persons going upstairs, and he had no doubt that it was a success.
When she reached the hall, the papers had all been read and discussed, and the Little Old Woman, who was in the chair, was just announcing that the next business before the house was to adjourn.
"I am sorry to be so late," said Miss Muffet, "and to miss hearing the papers."
"If that's the case," said the Little Old Woman, "we will have them all over again. The speakers will read slowly, so that the papers will go further."
"Oh, please don't on my account!" cried Miss Muffet, all in a tremble. "Don't let me interfere with your adjourning. I know that must be important business."
The Little Old Woman said that it was the most important business of the meeting.
"Does it take long?" asked Miss Muffet.
"Not if you know how to do it," said the Little Old Woman.
"Then I will just sit down and watch it."