"Such an interesting Spider as he was, too," commented the Kettle.
"Yes, indeed," assented the Teapot amiably; "I did not suppose one of his race could be so agreeable."
"There is no use groaning, since it cannot bring him back again," said the Wasp sharply. "Who is to speak to-night?"
"We should be delighted to hear you," said the crafty Cricket, desirous of keeping the Wasp in a good humor.
"Perhaps you will not find my history interesting, after that of the Spider," said he with affected modesty: he thought it would be much more so all the time.
"I am sure we shall," cordially returned the Cricket.
THE AMBITIOUS WASP.
"To begin then," commenced the Wasp, "I must first describe to you how I was born. Did any of you ever see, very early in the spring, one of my tribe flying slowly about, pausing to examine every earth bank, now exploring the burrow of a field-mouse, or perhaps entering the tunnel of a boring insect, all the while buzzing in a fussy way?"