18.Characters, Peter, Wendy, Slightly, Nibs, the twins |
When everyone was ready, Peter knocked on the door gently.
The door opened slowly, and a lady came out. It was Wendy. The boys all took off their hats "Where am I?" Wendy asked.
Of course, Slightly was the first to get a word in.
"Wendy lady,'' he said quickly, "we built this house for you. '
"Oh, please say you like it!" cried Nibs.
"What a lovely, lovely house," Wendy said. The boys were delighted. "We are your children." said the twins.
They all lowered their knees and held out their arms.
"Oh, Wendy lady, please be our mother!" they cried in union.
"I would love to," said Wendy, "but you see I am only a little girl. I have no experience of being a mother."
"_____△____" said Peter. "We just need a nice motherly person."
"Oh, really?" Wendy said. "I think that is exactly what I am.''
"It is. It is!" they all cried.
"Very well," she said, "I will do my best. Come inside now, you naughty children. I think there's just enough time for me to finish the story of Cinderella before I put you to bed."
They went in, and that was the first of the many joyful evenings they had with Wendy. By and by she made them comfortable in the big bed in their home under the trees. But she herself slept that night in the little house. Peter kept watching outside with a sword (剑), because the pirates (海盗) could be heard drinking far away, and the wolves were going about for food. The little house looked very warm and safe in the darkness. After some time, Peter fell asleep, and all was still and quiet in the Neverland.
(adapted from Peter Pan)