Chapter 11. Wendy's Story
"Listen, then, said Wendy, settling down to her story, with Michael at her feet and seven
boys in the bed. "There was once a gentleman -- "
"I had rather he had been a lady," Curly said.
"I wish he had been a white rat," said Nibs.
"Quiet," their mother admonished [cautioned] them. "There was a lady also, and -- "
"Oh, mummy," cried the first twin, "you mean that there is a lady also, don't you? She is
not dead, is she?"
"I am awfully glad she isn't dead," said Tootles. "Are you glad, John?"
"Little less noise there," Peter called out, determined that she should have fair play,
however beastly a story it might be in his opinion.
"The gentleman's name," Wendy continued, "was Mr. Darling, and her name was Mrs.
Darling."
"I knew them," John said, to annoy the others.
"I think I knew them," said Michael rather doubtfully.
"They were married, you know," explained Wendy, "and what do you think they had?"
"White rats," cried Nibs, inspired.
