Duchess looked aghast, and
tilted up the pie-dish.

"I have only four patty-pans,
and they are all in the cupboard."

Duchess set up a howl.

"I shall die! I shall die! I have
swallowed a patty-pan! Oh, my
dear Ribby, I do feel so ill!"

"It is impossible, my dear
Duchess; there was not a patty-pan."

Duchess moaned and whined
and rocked herself about.

"Oh I feel so dreadful. I have
swallowed a patty-pan!"


"There was NOTHING in the pie,"
said Ribby severely.

"Yes there WAS, my dear Ribby,
I am sure I have swallowed it!"

"Let me prop you up with a