STORY XVIII

MOTHER TWISTYTAIL’S NEW BONNET

“Archibald,” said Mrs. Twistytail, the lady pig, to her husband at the breakfast table one morning, “I think I shall have to have some money today.”

“Money?  What for?” he asked.  “Do the children need new shoes, or have we no more coal left?”

“No, I want the money for myself,” said the pig lady.  “I need a new bonnet, and I am going down town this morning and get it at the five and ten dollar store.”

“Very well,” said Mr. Twistytail, good-naturedly, so he put his foot in his pocket and took out a lot of money, which he gave to his wife.  Then he kissed Baby Pinky, and Curly and Flop good-by and went to work in the phonograph factory where he put the squeaks in the wheels.

“Oh, if you are going shopping for a new bonnet, mamma!” exclaimed Flop, “may I come with you?”

“Yes, and may I?” asked Curly, as he spun around on his front paws like a top under a Christmas tree.  “And if you have any money left, mamma, after getting your bonnet, maybe you will buy us each a hot ice cream soda.”

“Oh you boys!” cried Mrs. Twistytail with a laugh.  “No, I am afraid I can’t take you two with me, for it is Baby Pinky’s turn.  You boys had a nice time the other day, playing in the woods, when you saved your papa and his hat from the wolf’s den, and so now it is Pinky’s turn to have some fun.  I’ll take her shopping with me.”

“Oh goodie!” cried Baby Pinky, and she jumped into her go-cart and out again, making the springs jounce up and down like anything.

“But I’ll give you and Flop each a penny,” said Mrs. Twistytail to Curly, “and you can buy some corn candy with sour milk on top.”

That pleased the boy piggies very much, and they ran off to school with their pennies, while Mrs. Twistytail got ready to go shopping after her bonnet with Baby Pinky.  Pretty soon they went down town and in the five and ten dollar bonnet store.

“Have you any bonnets?” asked Mrs. Twistytail.

“Indeed I have,” said the nice lady frog who kept the store.  “I have all kinds of bonnets,” and then she sang a little song that went something like this, to the tune “High diddle-diddle:” 

    “I’ve bonnets of ribbon, and bonnets of paper,
     I’ve bonnets both red, white and blue. 
     Some bonnets of leather, for cold stormy weather,
     And bonnets of feathers and glue.

    “I’ve bonnets becoming, and some that are stunning;
     I’ve bonnets to wear upside down. 
     And if you will try one, I’m sure you will buy one,
     To go with your new party gown.”

“I’m sure I will, too,” said Mrs. Twistytail, as the frog lady finished and made a little bow to the looking-glass.  “You may show me the blue one,” she went on, and frog lady did.

“Oh, mamma!  That is lovely!” cried Baby Pinky.  “But I think one with more flowers on would be nicer.”