Carrot is As Stubborn As a Donkey

It is morning. Jimmy opens his eyes. The sun is not shining. It is snowing, or maybe it is raining. It often rains in England in winter. It is rather cold in the room, though a fire is burning gaily in the fireplace. Pussy-cat is sitting by the fire, purring softly to herself.

Jimmy is lying in his soft little bed. Mother is laying the breakfast table. Father is shaving. He shaves every morning. Polly is brushing her hair.

When Mother sees that the boy is looking at her, she says: "Good morning, dear! Wake up!" Breakfast is ready. Get up! Let's have tea!"

But Jimmy, the Carrot, is too lazy to move. He shuts his eyes again and says: "I won't!"

Then Mother comes up to his bed and softly touches his head.

"Are you well, darling?" She asks.

"I am," Jimmy says.

"Don't worry, my dear!" Mr. Dale says, smiling. "Your boy is never ill. "

"I'm glad to hear that," Mrs. Dale says.

She takes a cup of milk from the table and says: "Jimmy, my little Carrot, will you have a cup of milk?"

"I won't!" the Carrot says.

"Will you have a piece of cake?"

"I won't," Jimmy says again.

"Will you have a slice of bacon?"

"I won't. "

"Will you have a piece of cold veal?"

"I won't!" the boy says and shuts his eyes.

Then Mr. Dale gets angry and says: "Your Carrot is a bad boy. He is as stubborn as a donkey. Don't give him anything at all to eat!"