At their approach a flotilla of ducks, like living hulls, their necks curving like prows, set sail toward them.
Felicie told them, in a regretful tone, that she had nothing to give them.
"When I was little," she went on to say, "Papa used to take me out on Sundays to feed the animals.

It was my reward for having learned my lessons well all the week.

Papa used to delight in the country.

He was fond of dog, horses, all animals in fact.

He was very gentle and very clever.