76 THE SECOND FROGGY FAIRY BOOK.

He, designated, looked sadly sober and
said:
“* Do ye know ’im?
Yis ye do know ’’m:
Oi am a gnome!”’

A prolonged “hush” was voiced by many
of the assemblage, and then every one became
still.

“ Fairies, Frogs and Fishes,” called a voice
that Elsie recognized as Froggy the Fiddler’s.

Mother Grumble interrupted in a loud
drawl :

“Musicians can play, but they are incapa-
ble of speaking correctly. In the first place
there are no fishes here; in the second place
your beginning is not that which the occasion
demands. I am here at the special request of
that young gentleman’s (pointing to Elsie’s host)
godmother. I mean to see that events pass off
as they should. Pray begin therefore: Mother
Grumble, the godmother’s representative, Fairies,
Brownies ssl Frogs.”

Elsie looked at the Fiddler, and thought he
seemed annoyed. But, at any rate, he began
his address over again, as Mother Grumble
directed. The general disposition was to humor
the old lady.

Having re-delivered his introduction,
Froggy the Fiddler continued: “We are here
this evening to celebrate the freedom of our