THE BEE’S STORY 
77 
soothing words from the ant, the 
case was fully explained. 
“Dear me,” said the butterfly, 
when the others paused for his 
decision, “that is far too deep a 
question for me. Besides, I think 
it is almost time for the four- 
o’clocks to close,” and spreading his 
purple wings he sailed away. 
“ What a humbug he is, for all 
his fine appearance!” said the wasp 
crossly, while the bee buzzed her 
loudest for joy. 
“I think I may as well go, too,” 
said the bee. “I am interested in 
those four-o’clocks, myself.” 
In another second she would have 
been gone, but at that very instant 
they heard a loud humming which 
