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 . Daisy 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 . `` Oh , dear ! it rains ; and we ca n't go fairy-hunting at all , '' said Daisy next morning , as the patter on the window-pane woke her up , and Aunt Wee came in to dress her . `` Yes , we can , dear ; jump up , and see what a funny place I 'll take you to . '' Daisy thought the rain would be a capital excuse for lying in bed ; for she still liked to cuddle and drowse in her cosey , warm nest . But she was curious to know where the curious place was ; so she got up and followed . `` Why , Aunt Wee , this is the garret ; and there is n't any thing nice or funny here , '' she said , as they climbed the stairs , and came into the big attic , filled with all manner of old things . `` Is n't there ? We 'll soon see . ''
And so they did : for Aunt Wee began to play ; and presently XXXXX was shouting with fun as she sat on an old saddle , with a hair-covered trunk for a horse , a big old-fashioned bonnet on her head , and a red silk petticoat for a habit .
Daisy cosey dragon-fly fairy-hunting hour minute morning water-insects water-weeds whirr