They handed them to the children, who each took one and drank it with great satisfaction.

Then the cats took away the cups and tray, and returned and sat down as before.
The lady smiled at the children.
"Now," she said, "are you ready ?" She had been so kind about the milk that Hugh this time took courage.
"We are _very_ sorry," he said, "but we really don't understand what it is you would like us to do." "Do ?" said the lady.

"Why, you have nothing to do but to listen.

Isn't that what you came for?
To hear some of the stories I spin ?" The children opened their eyes--with pleasure it is to be supposed rather than surprise--for the white lady did not seem at all annoyed.
"Oh!" said they, both at once.

"Is _that_ what you're spinning?
Stories!" "Of course," said the lady.