Part 5 (2/2)

”Bobbie, you don't understand I haveelse You have been exceedingly indelicate You took advantage of norance You let me think you were a rose-beetle and yesterday the snail toldA considerable difference! He saw you engaged in--well, doing so I don't care to mention I'm sure you will now admit that I must take back my word”

Bobbie was stunned When he recovered frorily:

”No, I _don't_ understand I can't understand I want to be loved for myself, and not for ,” said Effie offishly, ”anything but dung, I shouldn't be so particular-- And please re ho lost her husband only three days ago under the obbled up by the shrew about

A youngshould lead a life of coood-by”

Pop into her hole went Effie, as though a puff of wind had blown her away Maya would never have thought it possible that anyone could dive into the ground as fast as that

Effie was gone, and Bobbie stared in blank bewilder so utterly stupid that Maya had to laugh

Finally he roused, and shook his sry distress His feelers drooped dismally like two rain-soaked fans

”People now-a-days no longer appreciate fineness of character and respectability,” he sighed ”Effie is heartless I didn't dare admit it to myself, but she is, she's absolutely heartless

But even if she hasn't got the _right feelings_, she ought to have the _good sense_ to be my wife”

Maya saw the tears come to his eyes, and her heart was seized with pity

But the next instant Bobbie stirred He wiped the tears away and crept cautiously behind a small mound of earth, which his friend had probably shoveled out of her dwelling A little flesh-colored earthas corass

It had the queerest way of propelling itself, by firstand thin, then short and thick Its cylinder of a body consisted of nothing but delicate rings that pushed and groped forward noiselessly

Suddenly, startling Maya, Bobbie ht hold of the woran cal or the wriggling of the other half in the grass It was a tiny little worm

”Patience,” said Bobbie, ”it will soon be over”

But while he chewed, his thoughts seemed to revert to Effie, his Effie, whoreat tears rolled down his cheeks

Maya pitied hiht, ”there certainly is a lot of sadness in the world”

At that moment she saw the half of the hich Bobbie had set aside,a hasty departure

”Did you _ever_ see the like!” she cried, surprised into such a loud tone that Bobbie looked around wondering where the sound had come from

”Make way!” he called

”But I'm not in your way,” said Maya

”Where are you then? You must be somewhere”

”Up here Up above you In the bluebell”

”I believe you, but I'h to see you Why did you screa away”