Ellen sat on the footstool and looked down thoughtfully at the lion. He lay on his stomach on the floor at her feet.

“Whenever you and I have a conversation I do all the talking, don’t I?” she said.

The lion remained silent.

“I never let you say a single word,” Ellen said.

The lion did not say a word.

“The trouble with me is I talk too much,” Ellen continued. “I haven’t been very polite, I guess. I apologize.”

“Oh, that’s all right, Ellen,” the lion said.

Ellen sprang to her feet and jumped up and down in delight.

“You talked!” she cried. “You said something!”