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Peter’s Goat
Hereyesglistenedwithadmirationwhenhetoldherofhisadventures,especiallyofhowhewenttoandfrobetweentheislandandtheGardensintheThrush’sNest:
’Howromantic!’Maimieexclaimed,butthiswasanotherunknownword,andhehunghisheadthinkingshewasdespisinghim.
’IsupposeTonywouldnothavedonethat?’hesaidveryhumbly.
’Never,never!’sheansweredwithconviction,’hewouldhavebeenafraid.’
’Whatisafraid?’askedPeterlongingly.Hethoughtitmustbesomesplendidthing.’Idowishyouwouldteachmehowtobeafraid,Maimie,’hesaid.
’Ibelievenoonecouldteachthattoyou,’sheansweredadoringly,butPeterthoughtshemeantthathewasstupid.ShehadtoldhimaboutTonyandofthewickedthingshedidinthedarktofrightenhim(sheknewquitewellthatitwaswicked),butPetermisunderstoodhermeaningandsaid,’Oh,howIwishIwasasbraveasTony!’
Itquiteirritatedher.’YouaretwentythousandtimesbraverthanTony,’shesaid;’youareeversomuchthebravestboyIeverknew.’
Hecouldscarcelybelieveshemeantit,butwhenhedidbelievehescreamedwithjoy.
’Andifyouwantverymuchtogivemeakiss,’Maimiesaid,’youcandoit.’
VeryreluctantlyPeterbegantotakethethimbleoffhisfinger.Hethoughtshewanteditback.
’Idon’tmeanakiss,’shesaidhurriedly,’Imeanathimble.’
