"'I think you are the most wonderful insects in the world.'
"At this the Saüba ants all looked highly pleased, and they richly deserved the compliment; so there was really no harm in it. I found myself exposed to so many dangers, without my magic cap, that I finally concluded to fly to the seashore, and see if I could take passage homeward again. Here I found no other a bird than the Petrel's baby, now a handsome young fellow enough, who readily agreed to carry me northward.
"I strapped myself to my bearer with the horse-hairs, and found myself rather a better sailor than on my first voyage. I am now on my way to the pansy fairy, with the petition that he will give me another cap. If he consents, I shall next visit Europe and the East," said the ambitious Wasp pompously, in conclusion.
The whole Club were so much entertained by this history, that the Saucepan never once complained of her uncomfortable position, rolling on her side. Hulda was much surprised to find her in this attitude next morning; but the maid servant wisely concluded the rats must have visited the shelf, and whisked the Saucepan off with their long tails.
When it came time for the disappointed Caterpillar, they were surprised by the entrance of a welcome guest: the Spider came sidling in, looking gay as possible. Of course they all spoke at the same time, and asked a hundred questions before he could answer one; especially the Teapot, who had never appeared so excited on any previous occasion.
"I am all right again, thank you," said the Spider gruffly. "I got a few bruises by my fall from the window; but, being used to tumbles of all sorts, I have now recovered somewhat, although I felt rather stiff the next day."
"I am not fond of talking," said the Caterpillar, with humility, "nor can I do so well. In my present state of caterpillarhood, I am aware that I do not please,—that I am not, in fact, any thing but an uninteresting glutton. There! the Spider is laughing already."
"I should be sorry to do any thing so rude," said the Spider slyly; "only you are rather fond of leaf-salad, I have heard."
"True," replied the Caterpillar, smacking his lips at the thought. "What could be more delicious! Still I must not dwell upon topics of food, for fear I should never have done describing such delicacies as suit my palate. I shall not find much in my own personal history to entertain you this evening. Never having travelled, like my two distinguished companions, I cannot bring to your notice the wonders of other lands, as they have so ably done."
Here the Wasp and Spider arose, laid one foreleg upon the heart, and made a low bow in acknowledgment of the compliment.