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Peter’s Goat
Hereyesglistenedwithadmirationwhenhetoldherofhisadventures,especiallyofhowhewenttoandfrobetweentheislandandtheGardensintheThrush’sNest.
“Howromantic,”Maimieexclaimed,butitwasanotherunknownword,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.”
“What’sthat?”Peterasked.
“It’slikethis,”shesaid,andkissedhim.
“Ishouldlovetogiveyouathimble,”Petersaidgravely,sohegaveherone.
