"I am afraid of spiders," remarked the Teapot, with a lady-like shiver.
"If a caterpillar touched me, I should run a mile," exclaimed the Saucepan.
"None of them can reach me," laughed the Kettle with a gurgle of satisfaction.
At last the Cricket marched the strangers in one night, and gave them places about the hearth.
"Allow me," said he, flourishing his right feeler in the air, "to introduce to you, friends, some very distinguished additions to our number,—the travelled Spider, the disappointed Caterpillar, and the ambitious Wasp."
"How do you all do?" inquired the Kettle very politely, for the Saucepan and Teapot seemed rather stiff in their manners.
"Very well, thank you," growled the Spider.
"Quite so," croaked the Caterpillar.
"In excellent spirits," echoed the Wasp, folding his gauzy wings in a satisfied way.
"If it is agreeable to the rest, I propose your all joining the Club," continued the Cricket briskly.