They'll be out till luncheon time, so you and I will spend a pleasant morning together, and I'll do my best to amuse you.
Now jump up, there's a good fellow, and don't lie moping there on a fine morning like this!'
Dear, kind Rat,' murmured Toad, 'how little you realise my condition, and how very far I am from "jumping up" now-if ever! But do not trouble about me.
I hate being a burden to my friends, and I do not expect to be one much longer.
Indeed, I almost hope not.'
'Well, I hope not, too,' said the Rat heartily.
'You've been a fine bother to us all this time, and I'm glad to hear it's going to stop.
And in weather like this, and the boating season just beginning! It's too bad of you, Toad! It isn't the trouble we mind, but you're making us miss such an awful lot.'
'I'm afraid it IS the trouble you mind, though,' replied the Toad languidly.
'I can quite understand it.