The stories they told , before it was time for Wendy 's good-night story ! Even Slightly tried to tell a story that night , but the beginning was so fearfully dull that it appalled even himself , and he said gloomily : ` Yes , it is a dull beginning . I say , let us pretend that it is the end . ' And then at last they all got into bed for Wendy 's story , the story they loved best , the story Peter hated . Usually when she began to tell this story he left the room or put his hands over his ears ; and possibly if he had done either of those things this time they might all still be on the island . But to-night he remained on his stool ; and we shall see what happened . CHAPTER XI 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 them . ` There was a lady also , and -- ' ' O mummy , ' cried the first twin , ` you mean that there is a lady also , do n't you ? She is not dead , is she ? ' ` Oh no . ' ' I am awfully glad she is n't dead , ' said Tootles . ` Are you glad , John ? ' ` Of course I am . ' ` Are you glad , Nibs ? ' ` Rather . ' ` Are you glad , Twins ? ' ` We are just glad . '
` Oh dear , ' sighed XXXXX .
John Nibs Peter Tootles Wendy first left mummy night to-night