"What fun!" cried the wasp.
"Where?" asked the bee looking up with a subdued smile.
"I mean I can't help laughing," said the wasp.
"A disgusting habit," said the bee.
"Look at those people nearly out of their wits. Here goes for old
Bless-my-Soul again!" He flew off and buzzed round the old gentleman's neck
and then flew back to the bee, laughing louder than ever at his purple
rage.
"I don't know what you think of your conduct," said the bee severely, "but
I think it is insects like you who give us all a bad name."
"Be hanged to your bad name," scoffed the wasp. "A short life and a merry
one, say I."
"A busy life and a useful one, rather," said the bee. "I am proud to be the
friend of man."
"Good heavens!" shouted the wasp. "Here comes old Bless-my-Soul bent on
murder. Look out! I'm going for his neck."
Old Bless-my-Soul slashed wildly with his table-napkin and slew the bee. He
went back triumphantly with his spoil.
"A bee!" shouted everybody. "I thought it was a wasp. I didn't know bees
were like that."
"All insects are vicious," said old Bless-my-Soul.
* * * * *
Another Impending Apology.
"LONDON PAVILION. CHEERIO! at 8.30.--'Just the thing for a dull
evening.'"--_Daily News._
* * * * *
"A few of the waiting women abandoned hope of getting potatoes, and
substituted the purchase by parsnips and sweres."--_Daily Mirror._
In the circumstances who shall blame them?
* * * * *