"Their only fault is that they are too haughty and foolishly proud of their pedigree." Overhearing this speech, one codfish said to another in a very dignified tone of voice, "What insolence!" "Isn't it ?" replied the other.

"There ought to be a law to prevent these common mermaids from discussing their superiors." "My sakes!" said Trot, astonished.

"How stuck up they are, aren't they ?" For a moment the group of fishes stared at her solemnly.

Then one of the remarked in a disdainful manner, "Come, my dear, let us leave these vulgar creatures." "I'm not as vulgar as you are!" exclaimed Trot, much offended by this speech.

"Where I come from, we only eat codfish when there's nothing else in the house to eat." "How absurd!" observed one of the creatures arrogantly.
"Eat codfish indeed!" said another in a lofty manner.
"Yes, and you're pretty salty, too, I can tell you.