`` It is time we saw the fairies in blue , unless old Madam Purr deceived us . I hope we shall find one ; for , though I enjoy every thing we see , I do want my elf too . '' `` What is that ? '' cried Wee ; and Daisy flew up so quickly that the boat rocked like a cradle . A slender creature , in a blue dress , with gauzy wings , darted by , and vanished among the rushes that nodded by the bank . `` Go nearer , -- softly ! softly ! -- and maybe it will fly out again . I really think it was a fairy ; for I never saw any thing like it before , '' whispered Daisy , much excited . Wee rowed in among the green rushes and purple water-weeds , and out flew half-a-dozen of the blue-bodied creatures . They did n't seem afraid , but skimmed about the boat , as if curious to see what it was ; and Daisy sat , and stared with all her might . Presently one of the lovely things lit on the lily in her hand , and she held her breath to watch it . A little shadow of disappointment passed over her face as she looked ; but it was gone at once , and her voice was full of delight as she said softly : `` It 's not a fairy , Aunt Wee ; but it is very beautiful , with its slender blue body , its lacy wings , and bright eyes . What name does it have ? '' `` We call it a dragon-fly ; and it could tell you a pretty little story about itself , could you understand it . In May the tiny eggs are dropped on the water , and sink to the bottom , where little creatures are born , -- ugly , brown things , with six legs and no wings . They feed on water-insects , and for a long time swim about in this state . When ready , they climb up the stem of some plant , and sit in the sun till the ugly brown shells drop away , and the lovely winged creatures appear . They grow in an hour to be perfect dragon-flies , and float away to lead happy lives in the sunshine by the river . '' As if only waiting till the story was done , the dragon-fly flew off with a whirr , and darted to and fro , hunting for its breakfast , glittering splendidly as it flashed among the leaves or darted close above the water .
XXXXX forgot her disappointment in a minute , and went fishing for lilies ; while the turtles came up to sun themselves on the rocks , the merry little tadpoles wiggled in the shallow places , and a wild duck paddled by with a brood of ducklings following in her wake .
Daisy Purr dragon-flies dragon-fly fro gauzy hour water-insects water-weeds whirr