Ветер в ивах

           Animalswhenincompanywalkinaproperandsensiblemanner,insinglefile,insteadofsprawlingallacrosstheroadandbeingofnouseorsupporttoeachotherincaseofsuddentroubleordanger.

           Theyreachedthecarriage-driveofToadHalltofind,asBadgerhadanticipated,ashinynewmotor-car,ofgreatsize,paintedabrightred(Toad’sfavouritecolour),standinginfrontofthehouse.Astheynearedthedooritwasflungopen,andMr.Toad,arrayedingoggles,cap,gaiters,andenormousovercoat,cameswaggeringdownthesteps,drawingonhisgauntletedgloves.

           "Hullo!comeon,youfellows!"hecriedcheerfullyoncatchingsightofthem."You’rejustintimetocomewithmeforajolly—tocomeforajolly—fora—er—jolly—"

           Hisheartyaccentsfalteredandfellawayashenoticedthesternunbendinglookonthecountenancesofhissilentfriends,andhisinvitationremainedunfinished.

           TheBadgerstrodeupthesteps."Takehiminside,"hesaidsternlytohiscompanions.Then,asToadwashustledthroughthedoor,strugglingandprotesting,heturnedtothechauffeurinchargeofthenewmotor-car.

           "I’mafraidyouwon’tbewantedto-day,"hesaid."Mr.Toadhaschangedhismind.Hewillnotrequirethecar.Pleaseunderstandthatthisisfinal.Youneedn’twait."Thenhefollowedtheothersinsideandshutthedoor.