“‘Who told you that?’ ses the grasshopper.
“‘Haven’t I my eyesight, and don’t I read the newspapers?’ ses the whale.
“‘You mustn’t read the society columns, then,’ ses the grasshopper.
“‘Wisha, for the love of St. Crispin,’ ses the whale, ‘have they society columns in the American newspapers?’
“‘Indeed they have,’ ses the grasshopper, ‘and they oftentimes devote a few columns to other matters when the dressmakers don’t be busy.’
“‘America is a strange country surely, a wonderful country, not to say a word about the length and breadth of it. I swam around it twice last week without stopping, to try and reduce my weight, and would you believe me that I was tired after the journey, but the change of air only added to my proportions?’
“‘That’s too bad,’ ses the grasshopper.
“‘Are you an American?’ ses the whale.
“‘Of course I am,’ ses the grasshopper. ‘You don’t think ’tis the way I’d be born at sea and no nationality at all, like yourself. I’m proud of my country.’
“‘And why, might I ask?’