Part 19 (1/2)
”But why should I? I don't know you, really I don't” Maya was quite upset
”It's easy to _say_ you don't knowyour an to wheel round slowly
”You mean I'm to count your dots?”
”Yes, if you please”
”Seven,” said Maya
”Well?-- Well? You still don't know All right then, I'll tell you I' to what you counted The scientific name of our family is Septempunctata _Septem_ is Latin for seven, _punctata_ is Latin for dots, points, you see
Our common name is ladybird, my own name is Alois, I am a poet by profession You know our co Alois' feelings, didn't dare to say no
”Oh,” said he, ”I live by the sunshi+ne, by the peace of the day, and by the love of mankind”
”But don't you eat, too?” asked Maya, quite astonished
”Of course Plant-lice Don't you?”
”No That would be--that is”
”Is what? Is what?”
”Not--usual,” said Maya shyly
”Of course, of course!” cried Alois, trying to raise one shoulder, but not succeeding, on account of the fireoise you would, of course, do only what is usual We poets would not get very far that way-- Have you time?”
”Why, yes,” said Maya
”Then I'll recite you one ofdistracts your attention The poeer_, and is about a personal experience Are you listening?”
”Yes, to every word”
”Well, then:
”'Since you did not do , That you found ; Up above you wear a flatter, Pointed, polished sheath or platter Which you ht!'”
”Well?” asked Alois after a short pause There were tears in his eyes and a quaver in his voice
”_Man's Finger_ gripped me very hard,” replied Maya in some embarrassment She really knew much lovelier poems