Getting Ready for a Wedding

Getting Ready for a Wedding

Mr. Rufus spoke quietly with Mrs. Gray and then left. “ My plan is working perfectly, ” Mrs. Gray said, her nose wiggling happily. “ What plan?” asked Thumbelina. “ Mr. Rufus has agreed to marry you, ” said Mrs. Gray. Thumbelina was shocked. But I don’t want to marry him, ” she said.

“ Don’t be silly, ” frowned Mrs. Gray. “ Mr. Rufus is rich and kind. You are lucky he wants to marry you. ” “ But Mrs. Gray-, ” began Thumbelina. “ Not another word! ” the mouse said sharply. “ There is so much to do. ” One morning Mrs. Gray brought in a big basket of corn husks.

“ Mr. Rufus wants you to weave some mats, ” said Mrs. Gray. “ He has furry feet, but you do not. And his floors are cold. ” Thumbelina stared at her bare feet. She had lost her shoes in the forest somewhere. The next day, Mrs. Gray brought in dried hay.

“ You need to make some brooms, ” said Mrs. Gray. “ Mr. Rufus’ home has many rooms. They all need sweeping. ” “ I don’t care, ” Thumbelina almost shouted. “ He lives underground. I’ll never see the sunshine again. ” “ Well then, you’ll need some light, ” Mrs. Gray said, ignoring Thumbelina.

She went to the closet. “ Here’s a lantern, ” she said. “ It will be dark in your new home. But you will get used to it. ” “ Why can’t I stay with you?” Thumbelina asked. Mrs. Gray said sternly, “ Plans have been made. It’s too late to change them now. ” “ But I won’t be happy, ” Thumbelina said sadly.