The guinea-pigs toddled about the gardens, and ate lettuces and Cheshire cheese.
The cats sat still in the sunshine, and fed upon sponge biscuits.
The fishes lived in the lake, and fed chiefly on boiled periwinkles.
And all these seven families lived together in the utmost fun and felicity.
CHAPTER IV
THE CHILDREN OF THE SEVEN FAMILIES ARE SENT AWAY
One day all the seven fathers and the seven mothers of the seven families agreed that they would send their children out to see the world.
So they called them all together, and gave them each eight shillings and some good advice, some chocolate-drops, and a small green morocco pocket-book to set down their expenses in.
They then particularly entreated them not to quarrel; and all the parents sent off their children with a parting injunction.
“If,” said the old parrots, “you find a cherry, do not fight about who should have it.”
“And,” said the old storks, “if you find a frog, divide it carefully into seven bits, but on no account quarrel about it.”