The Ugly Duckling

out for the cat.” When they got to the poultry yard, a terrible fight was going on. “Dear, dear!” said the mother duck. “People are always fighting!” But she gave her ducklings their first lesson in good manners too. “You see that big haughty-looking duck with the red ribbon around her leg?” she said. “That means she is a very important person – a Spanish grandee, in fact. Now, I want you all to curtsy to her politely.” They did it, nicely too, but the Spanish grandee took one look at the poor ugly duckling and bit him in the neck. “You leave him alone!” commanded his mother. “He may not be as pretty as some, but he has a sweet disposition, and he is the best swimmer of the lot.