Mary Poppins - Pamela L. Travers Audiobook

MARY POPPINS by PL Travis read by Sophie Thompson chapter 1 Eastwind if you want to find Cherry Tree Lane all you have to do is ask the policeman at the crossroads you will push his helmet slightly to one side scratch his head thoughtfully and then you will point his huge white gloved finger and say first you're right second your left sharp right again and you're there good morning and sure enough if you follow his directions exactly you will be there right in the middle of Cherry Tree Lane where the houses run down one side and a park runs down the other and the cherry trees go dancing right down the middle if you are looking for number 17 and it is more than likely that you will be but this book is all about that particular house you will very soon find it to begin with it is the smallest house in the lane and besides that it is the only one that is rather dilapidated and needs a coat of paint but mist banks who owns it said to mrs. banks that she could have either a nice clean comfortable house or for children but not both that he couldn't afford it and after mrs. banks had given the matter some consideration she came to the conclusion that she would rather have Jane who was the eldest and Michael who came next and John and Barbara who were twins and came last of all so it was settled and that was how the banks family came to live at number 17 with mrs. brill to cook for them and Ellen to lay the tables and Robertson I to cut the lawn and clean the knives and polish the shoes and as mr. banks always said to waste his time and my money and of course besides these there was Katy Nanna who doesn't really deserve to come into the book at all because at the time I am speaking of she had just left number 17 without buy or leave or a word of warning and what am I to do said mrs. banks advertised My dear said mr. banks put him on his shoes and I wish Robertson I would go without a word of warning but he has again polished one boot and left the other untouched I shall look very Lots I did that said mrs. banks is not of the least importance you haven't told me what I'm to do about Katy Nanna I don't see how you couldn't do anything about her since she has disappeared replied mr. banks but if it were me I mean I well I should get somebody to put in the morning paper the news that Jane and Michael and John and Barbara banks to say nothing of their mother require the best possible nanny at the lowest possible wage and at once then I should wait and watch for the nannies to queue up outside the front gate and I should get very cross with them be holding up the traffic and making it necessary for me to give the policeman a shilling for putting him to so much trouble now I must be off huh it's as cold as the North Pole which way is the wind blowing and as he said that mr. banks popped his head out of the window and looked down the lane to Admiral booms house at the corner this was the grandest house in the lane and the lane was very proud of it because it was built exactly like a ship there was a Flagstaff in the garden and on the roof was a gilt weathercock shaped like a telescope ha said mr. banks drawing in his head very quickly admirals telescope says east wind I thought as much there is frost in my bones I shall wear two overcoats and he kissed his wife absent mindedly on one side of her nose and waved to the children and went away to the city now the city was a place where mr. banks went every day except Sundays of course and bank holidays and while he was there he sat on a large chair in front of a large desk and made money all day long he worked cutting out pennies and shillings and half crowns and throw penny bits and he brought them home with him in his little black bag sometimes he would give some to Jane and Michael for their money boxes and when he couldn't spare any he would say the bank is broken and they would know he hadn't made much money that day well mr. banks went off with his black bag and mrs. banks went into the drawing room and sat there all day long writing letters to the papers and begging them to send some manis to her at once as she was waiting and upstairs in the nursery Jane and Michael watched at the window and wondered who would come they were glad Katy Nanna had gone but they had never liked her she was old and fat and smelt of barley water anything they thought would be better than Katy Nanna if not much better when the afternoon began to die away behind the park mrs. Bruin Ellen came to give them their supper into Bath the twins and after supper Jane and Michael sat at the window watching for mr. banks to come home and listening to the sound of the east wind blowing through the naked branches of the cherry trees in the lane the trees themselves turning and bending in the half-light looked as though they'd gone mad and were dancing their roots out of the ground various said Michael pointing suddenly to a shape that banged heavily against the gate Jane peered through the gathering darkness that's not daddy she said is somebody else then the shape tossed and bent under the wind lifted the latch of the gate and they could see that it belonged to a woman who was holding her hat on with one hand and carrying a bag in the other as they watched Jane and Michael saw a curious thing happen as soon as the shape was inside the gate the wind seemed to catch her up into the air and fling her at the house it was as though it had flung her first at the gate waited for her to open it and then lift it and thrown her back and all at the front door the watching children heard a terrific bang and as she landed the whole house shook how funny have never seen that happened before said Michael let's go and see who it is said Jane and taking Michaels arm she drew him away from the window through the nursery and out onto the landing from there they always had a good view of anything that happened in the front hall presently they saw their mother coming out of the drawing-room with a visitor following her Jane and Michael could see that the newcomer had shiny black hair well they like wouldn't Dutch doll whispered Jane and that she was thin with large feet and hands and small rather peering blue eyes you'll find that they have very nice children mrs. banks was saying Michaels elbow gave a sharp dig at Jane's ribs and that they give no trouble at all continued mrs. banks and certainly as if she herself didn't really believe what she was saying they heard the visitor sniff as though she didn't either now about references mrs. banks went on oh I make it a rule and never to give references said the other firmly mrs. banks stared but I thought it was usual she said I mean I understood people always did a very old-fashioned idea to my mind Jane and Michael heard the stern voice say very old-fashioned quite out of date as you might say now if there was one thing mrs. banks did not like it was to be thought old-fashioned she just couldn't bear it so she said quickly very well then we won't bother about them I only asked of course in case you um required it the nursery is upstairs and she led the way towards the staircase talking all the time without stopping once and because she was doing that mrs. banks did not notice what was happening behind her but Jane and Michael watching from the top landing at an excellent view of the extraordinary thing the visitor now did certainly she followed mrs. banks upstairs but not in the usual way with her large bag in her hands she slid gracefully up the banisters and arrived at the landing at the same time as mrs. banks such a thing Jane and Michael knew had never been done before down of course but they had often done it themselves but up never they gazed curiously at the strange new visitor well that's all settled then a sigh of relief came from the children's mother quite as long as I'm satisfied said the other wiping her nose with a large red white bandana hankerchief why children said mrs. banks noticing them suddenly what are you doing there this is your new nurse Mary Poppins Jane Michael say how do you do and these she waved her hand at the babies in their cots are the twins Mary Poppins regarded them steadily looking from one to the other as though she were making up her mind whether she liked them or not will we do said Michael Michael don't be naughty said his mother Mary Poppins continued to regard the four children searchingly then with a long loud sniff that seemed to indicate that she had made up her mind she said I'll take the position for all the world as mrs. banks said her husband later as though she were doing us a signal honor pap she is said mr. banks putting his nose round the corner of the newspaper for a moment and then withdrawing it very quickly when their mother had gone Jane and Michael edge towards Mary Poppins who stood still as a post with her hands folded in front of her how did you come Jane asked it looked just as if the wind blew you here it did said Mary Poppins briefly and she proceeded to unwind her muffler from her neck and to take off her hat would she hang on one of the bedposts as it did not seem as though Mary Poppins were going to say any more though she sniffed a great deal Jane to remain silent but when she bent down to undo her bag Michael could not restrain himself what a funny bag he said pinching it with his fingers carpet said Mary Poppins putting her key in the lock to carry carpets in you mean no made of Oh said Michael I see but he didn't quite by this time the bag was open and Jane and Michael were more than surprised to find it was completely empty why said Jane there's nothing idiot what do you mean nothing demanded Mary Poppins drawing herself up and looking as though she had been insulted nothing in it did you say and with that took out from the empty bag a starched white apron and tied it around her waist next she unpacked a large cake of sunlight soup a toothbrush a packet of hair pins a bottle of scent a small folding armchair and a box of throat lozenger Jane and Michael stared but I saw whispered Michael I'm sure it was empty hush said Jane as Mary Poppins took out a large bottle labeled one tea spoon to be taken at bedtime a spoon was attached to the neck of the bottle and into this Mary Poppins poured a dark crimson fluid is that your medicine inquired Michael looking very interested no yours said Mary Poppins holding out the spoon Tim Michael stared he wrinkled up his nose he began to protest I don't want it I don't need it I won't but Mary Poppins his eyes were fixed upon him and Michael suddenly discovered that you could not look Mary Poppins and disobey her there was something strange and extraordinary about her something that was frightening and at the same time most exciting the spoon came nearer he held his breath shut his eyes and gulped a delicious taste ran round his mouth he turned his tongue in it he swallowed and a happy smile ran round his face strawberry ice he said ecstatically more more MORE but Mary Poppins her face as sternness before was pouring out a toast for Jane it ran into the spoon silvery greeny yellowy Jane tasted it lime juice cordial she said sliding her tongue deliciously over lips but when she saw Mary Poppins moving towards the twins with the bottle Jane rushed at her oh no please they're too young it wouldn't be good for them please Mary Poppins however took no notice but with a warning terrible glanced at Jane tipped the spoon towards John's mouth he lapped at it eagerly and by the few drops that were spilt on his bib Jane and Michael could tell the substance in the spoon this time was milk then Barbara had her she and she gurgled and lick the spoon twice MARY POPPINS then poured out another dose and solemnly took it herself one punch she said smacking her lips and cooking the bottle Jane's eyes and Michaels popped with astonishment but they were not given much time to wonder the Mary Poppins having put the miraculous bottle on the mantelpiece turned to them now she said spit-spot into bed and she began to undress them they noticed that whereas buttons and hooks had needed all sorts of coaxing from Katy Nanna for Mary Poppins they flew apart almost at a look in less than a minute they found themselves in bed and watching by the dim light from the night light the rest of Mary Poppins unpacking being performed from the carpetbag she took out seven flannel nightgown for cotton ones a pair of boots a set of dominoes two bathing caps and a postcard album last of all came a folding camp bedstead with blankets and Ida dam complete and bish she sat down between John Scott and Barbara's Jane and Michael sat hugging themselves and watching it was also surprising that they could find nothing to say but they knew both of them that something strange and wonderful it happened at number 17 Cherry Tree Lane Mary Poppins slipping one of the flannel nightgown over her head began to undress underneath it as though it were a tent Michael charmed by this strange new arrival unable to keep silent any longer called to her Mary Poppins he cried you'll never leave us will you there was no reply from under the nightgown Michael could not bear it he won't leave us will you he called anxiously Mary Poppins his head came out of the top of the nightgown she looks very fierce one word more from that direction she said threatening Lee and I'll call the policeman I was only saying began Michael meekly but we hoped you wouldn't be going away soon he stopped feeling very red and confused Mary Poppins stared from him to Jane in silence she sniffed I'll stay till the wind changes she said shortly and she blew out her candle and got into bed that's all right said Michel half to himself and after Jane but Jane wasn't listening she was thinking about all that had happened and wondering and that is how Mary Poppins came to live at number 17 Cherry Tree Lane and although they sometimes found themselves wishing for the quieter more ordinary days when Katy Nanna ruled the household everybody on the whole was glad of Mary Poppins arrival mr. banks was glad because as she arrived by herself and did not hold up the traffic he had not had to tip the policemen mrs. banks was glad because she was able to tell everybody that her children's nurse was so fashionable that she didn't believe in giving references mrs. Brill and Ellen were glad because they could drink strong cups of tea all day in the kitchen and no longer needed to preside at nursery suppers Robertson I was glad too because Mary Poppins had only one pair of shoes and those she polished herself nobody ever knew what Mary Poppins felt about it for Mary Poppins never told anybody anything chapter 2 the day out every third Thursday said mrs. banks - till five Mary Poppins I'd her sternly the best people ma'am she said give every second Thursday and one till six and those I shall take or Mary Poppins paused and mrs. banks knew what the pause meant it meant that if she didn't get what she wanted Mary Poppins would not stay very well very well said mrs. banks hurriedly though she wished Mary Poppins did not know so very much more about the best people than she did herself so Mary Poppins put on her white gloves and tucked her umbrella and her arm not because it was raining but because it had such a beautiful handle that she couldn't possibly leave it at home how could you leave your umbrella behind if it had a parrot for a handle besides Mary Poppins was very vain and liked to look her best indeed she was quite sure that she never looked anything else Jane waved to her from the nursery window why are you going she called kinda close that window replied Mary Poppins and James head hurriedly disappeared inside the nursery Mary Poppins walked down the garden path and opened the gate once outside in the lane she set off walking very quickly as if she were afraid the afternoon would run away from her if she didn't keep up with it at the corner she turned to the right and then to the left nodded Horta Lee to the policeman who said it was a nice day and by that time she felt that her day out had begun she stopped beside an empty motorcar in order to put her hat straight with the help of the windscreen in which it was reflected then she smoothed down her frock and tucked her umbrella more securely under her arm so that the handle or rather the parrot could be seen by everybody after these preparations she went forward to meet the match man now the match man had two professions he not only sold matches like any ordinary match man but he drew pavement pictures as well he did these things turn about according to the weather if it was wet he sold matches because the rain would have washed away his pictures if he had painted them if it was fine he was on his knees all day making pictures in colored chalks on the sidewalks and doing them so quickly but often you would find he had painted at one side of a street and down the other almost before you'd had time to come round the corner on this particular day which was fine but cold he was painting he was in the act of adding a picture of two bananas and Apple and ahead of Queen Elizabeth to a long string of others when Mary Poppins walked up to him tiptoeing so as to surprise him hey called Mary Poppins softly he went on putting brown stripes on a banana and brown curls on Queen Elizabeth's head M said Mary Poppins with a ladylike cough he turned with a start and saw her Mary he cried and you could tell by the way he cried it that Mary Poppins was a very important person his life MARY POPPINS looked down at her feet and rub the toe of one shoe along the pavement two or three times then she smiled at the shoe in such a way that the shoe knew quite well the smile wasn't meant for it it's my day but she said didn't you remember Bert was the match man's name Herbert Alfred for Sunday's of course I remembered Mary he said but and he stopped and looked sadly into his cap it lay on the ground beside his last picture and there was tuppence in it he picked it up and jingled the pennies that's all you got Bert said Mary Poppins and she said it's so brightly you could hardly tell she was disappointed at all that's the lot he said business is bad today you'd think anybody would be glad to pay to see that wouldn't you and he nodded his head at Queen Elizabeth well that's how it is Mary he sighed can't take you to tea today I'm afraid Mary Poppins thought of the raspberry jam cakes they always had on her day out and she was just going to say when she saw the match man's face so very cleverly she turned the sigh into a smile a good one with both ends turned up and said that's all right Bert don't you mind I'd much rather not go to tea a stodgy meal I call it really and that when you think how very much she liked whereas with Jam cakes was rather nice of Mary Poppins the match man apparently thought so too but he took her white gloved hand in his and squeezed it hard then together they walked down the row of pictures now there's one you've never seen before said the match man proudly pointing to a painting of a mountain covered with snow and its slopes simply littered with grasshoppers sitting on gigantic roses this time Mary Poppins could indulge in a sigh without hurting his feelings Oh Bert she said that's a fair treat and by the way she said it she made him feel that by rights the picture should have been in the Royal Academy which is a large room where people hang the pictures they have painted everybody comes to see them and when they have looked at them for a very long time everybody says to everybody else the idea my dear the next picture Mary Poppins in the match man came to was even better it was the country all trees and grass and a little bit of blue sea in the distance and something that looked like Margate in the background my word said Mary Poppins admiringly stooping so that she could see it better why Bert whatever is the matter for the match man had caught hold of her other hand now and was looking very excited Mary you said I've got an idea a real idea why don't we go there right now this very day both together into the picture a Mary and still holding her hands he drew her right out of the street away from the iron railings and the lampposts into the very middle of the picture they were right inside it how green it was there how quiet and what soft crisp grass under their feet they could hardly believe it was true and yet here were green branches huskily rattling on their hats as they bent beneath them and little colored flowers curling round their shoes they stared at each other and each noticed that the other had changed to Mary Poppins the match man seemed to have bought himself an entirely new suit of clothes that he was now wearing a bright green and red striped coat and white flannel trousers and best of all a new straw hat he looked unusually clean as though he had been polished white Bert you look fine she cried in an admiring voice Bert could not say anything for a moment there his mouth had fallen open and he was staring at her with round eyes then he gulped and said golly that was all but he said it in such a way and stared so steadily and so delightedly at her that she took a little mirror out of her bag and looked at herself in it she - she discovered had changed round her shoulders hung a cloak of lovely artificial silk with watery patent all over it and the tickling feeling at the back of her neck came the mirror told her from a long curly feather that swept down from the brim of her hat her best shoes had disappeared and in their place were others much finer and with large diamond buckles shining upon them she was still wearing the white gloves and carrying the umbrella my goodness said mary poppins I am having a day out so still admiring themselves in each other they moved on together through the little wood till presently they came upon a little open space filled with sunlight and bear on a green table was afternoon tea a pile of raspberry jam cakes as high as Mary Provinces waist stood in the centre and beside it tea was boiling in a big brass urn best of all there were two plates of whelks and two pins to pick them out with strike me pink said mary poppins that was what she was said when she was pleased golly said the match man and that was his particular phrase won't you sit down madam inquired a voice and they turned to find a tall man in a black coat coming out of the wood with a table napkin over his arm Mary Poppins thoroughly surprised sat down with a plop upon one of the little green chairs that stood round the table the match man staring collapsed onto another I'm the waiter you know explained the man in the black coat oh but I didn't see you in the picture said Mary Poppins ah I was behind the tree explained the waiter won't you sit down said Mary Poppins politely waiters never sit down modern said the man but he seemed pleased at being asked you're welcome over to the match man and your PIN he dusted the pin on his napkin and handed it to the match man they began upon the afternoon tea and the waiter stood beside them to see they had everything they needed by having them after all said Mary Poppins in a loud whisper as she began on the heat / brass we Jam cakes golly the match man helping himself to two of the largest T said the waiter filling a large cup for each of them from the air they drank it and had two more cups each and then for luck they finished the pile of raspberry jam cakes after that they got up and brush the crumbs off there is nothing to pay said the waiter before they had time to ask for the bill it is a pleasure you will find the merry-go-round just over there and he waved his hand to a little gap in the trees where MARY POPPINS in the match man could see several wooden horses whirling round on a stand that's funny said she I don't remember seeing that in the picture either ah said the match man who hadn't remembered it himself it was in the background you see the merry-go-round was just slowing down as they approached it they lept upon it MARY POPPINS on a black horse and the match man on a grey and when the music started again and they began to move they rode all the way to Yarmouth and back because that was the place they both wanted most to see when they returned it was nearly dark and the waiter was watching for them I'm very sorry madam and mr. he said politely but we close at seven rules you know may I show you the way out they nodded as he flourished his table napkin and walked on in front of them through the wood it's a wonderful picture you've drawn this time Bert said Mary Poppins putting her hand through the match man's arm and drawing her cloak about her well I did my best Mary said the match man modestly but you could see he was really very pleased with himself indeed just then the waiter stopped in front of them beside a large white doorway that looked as though it were made of thick chalk lines here you are he said this is the way out goodbye and thank you said Mary Poppins shaking his hand modern goodbye said the waiter bowing so low that his head knocked against his knees he nodded to the match man who cocked his head on one side and closed one eye at the waiter which was his way of bidding him farewell then Mary Poppins stepped through the white doorway and the match and followed her and as they went the feather dropped from her hat and the suit a cloak from her shoulders and the diamonds from her shoes the bright clothes of the match man faded and his straw hat turned into his old ragged cat again MARY POPPINS turned and looked at him and she knew at once what had happened standing on the pavement she gazed at him for a long minute and then her glance explored the wood behind him for the waiter but the waiter was nowhere to be seen there was nobody in the picture nothing moved there even the merry-go-round had disappeared only the still trees and the grass and the unmoving little patch of sea remained but MARY POPPINS at the match man smiled at one another they knew you see what lay behind the trees when she came back from her day out Jayden Michael came running to meet her where have you been they asked her in Fairyland said mary poppins did you see Cinderella said Jane Cinderella not me said mary poppins contemptuously Cinderella indeed or Robinson Crusoe asked Michael Roberts and Crusoe Pooh said mary poppins rudely then how could you have been there it couldn't have been our fairyland mary poppins gave a superior sniff don't you know she said pityingly that everybody's got a fairyland of their own and with another sniff she went upstairs to take off her white gloves and put the umbrella away chapter three laughing gasps are you quite sure he will be at home said Jane as they got off the bus she and Michael and Mary Poppins would my uncle asked me to bring you to tea if he intended to go out I'd like to know said Mary Poppins who was evidently very offended by the question she was wearing her blue coat with the silver buttons and the blue hat to match and on the days when she wore these it was the easiest thing in the world to offend her all three of them were on the way to pay visit to mary poppins his uncle mr. week and Jane and Michael who look forward to the trip for so long that they were more than half afraid that mr. wick might not be in after all why is he call mr. week does he wear one ask Michael hurrying along beside Mary Poppins he is called mr. wig because mr. wig is his name and he doesn't wear one he is bald said Mary Poppins and if I have any more questions we will just go back home and she sniffed her usual sniff of displeasure Jane and Michael looked at each other and frowned and the frown meant don't let's ask or anything else or we'll never get there Mary Poppins put her hat straight at the tobacconist shop at the corner it had one of those curious windows where there seemed to be three of you instead of one so that if you look long enough at them you begin to feel you're not yourself but a whole crowd of somebody else Mary Poppins sighed with pleasure however when she saw three of herself each wearing a blue coat with silver buttons and a blue hat to match she thought it was such a lovely sight that she wished there had been a dozen of her or even thirty the more Mary Poppins is the better come along she said Stanley as though they had kept her waiting then they turn the corner and pulled the bell of number three Robertson Road Jane and Michael could hear it faintly echoing from a long way away and they knew that in one minute or two at the most they would be having tea with Mary Poppins his uncle mr. wig for the first time ever if he's in a force James said to Michael in a whisper at that moment the door flew open and a thin watery looking lady appeared is he in said Michael quickly I'll thank you said Mary Poppins giving him a terrible glance to let me do the talking how do you do mrs. wick said Jane politely mrs. weak said the thin lady in a voice even thinner than herself how dare you call me mrs. weak no thank you I'm playing miss persimmon and proud of it mrs. wig indeed she seemed to be quite upset and they thought mr. weak must be a very odd person if mr. Simmonds was so glad not to be mrs. wig straight happened first door on the landing said mr. Seamon and she went hurrying away down the passage saying mrs. sweet indeed to herself in hi thin outraged voice Jane and Michael followed Mary Poppins upstairs Mary Poppins knocked at the door come in come in and welcome called a loud cheer a voice from inside Jane's heart was pitter pattering with excitement he is in she signaled to Michael with a look Mary Poppins opened the door and pushed them in front of her a large cheerful room lay before them but one end of it a fire was burning brightly and in the center stood an enormous table lead forty four cups and saucers piles of bread and butter crumpets coconut cakes and a large plum cake with pink icing well this is indeed a pleasure a huge voice greeted them and Jane and Michael looked around for its owner he was nowhere to be seen the room appeared to be quite empty then they heard Mary Poppins saying crossly Oh Uncle Albert not again it's not your birthday is it and as she spoke she looked up at the ceiling Jane and Michael looked up to and to their surprise so a round that bald man who was hanging in the air without holding onto anything indeed he appeared to be sitting on the air for his legs were crossed and he had just put down the newspaper which he had been reading when they came in my dear said mr. weeks smiling down at the children and looking apologetically and Mary Poppins I'm very sorry but I'm afraid it is my birthday Mary Poppins I only remembered last night and there was no time then to send you a postcard asking you to go another day very distressing isn't it he said looking down at Jane and Michael I can see you're rather surprised said mr. weak and indeed their mouths was so wide open with astonishment but mr. wig if he had been a little smaller might almost have fallen into one of them I'd better explain I think mr. week went on calmly you see it's this way I have a cheerful sort of man and very disposed to laughter you wouldn't believe either of you the number of things that strike me as being funny I can love a pretty nearly everything I can and with that mr. wick began to bob up and down shaking with laughter at the thought of his own cheerfulness Uncle Albert said Mary Poppins and mr. wicks stopped laughing with a jerk Oh beg pardon my dear where was I oh yes well the funny thing about me is all right Mary I won't laugh if I can help it but whenever my birthday falls on a Friday well it's all up with me absolutely you pea said mr. wig the why began Jane but how began Michael well you see if by now on that particular day I become so filled with laughing gasps but I simply can't keep on the ground even if I smile it happens the first funny thought and I'm up like a balloon and until I can think of something serious I can't get doubt again mr. week began to chuckle at that but he caught sight of Mary Poppins his face and stopped the chuckle and continued its awkward of course but not unpleasant never happens to either of you I suppose Jane and Michael shook their heads no I thought not he seems to be my own special habit once after I've been to the circus the night before I laughed so much that would you believe it I was up here for a whole 12 hours I couldn't get down to the last stroke of midnight then of course I came down with a flop because it was Saturday and not my birthday anymore it's rather odd isn't it not to say funny and now here it is Friday again and my birthday and you too and Mary P to visit me oh lordy lordy don't make me know of I beg of you but although Jane and Michael had done nothing very amusing except to stare at him in astonishment mr. wick began to laugh again loudly and as he laughed he went bouncing and bobbing about in the air with a newspaper rattling in his hand and his spectacles half on and half off his nose he looked so comic floundering in the air like a great human bubble clutching at the ceiling sometimes and sometimes at the gas bracket as he passed it that Jane and Michael there they were trying hard to be polite just couldn't help doing what they did they laughed and they laughed they shut their mouths tight to prevent the laughter escaping but that didn't do any good and presently they were rolling over and over on the floor squealing and shrieking with laughter really said Mary Poppins really such behavior I can't help it I can't help it Street Michael as he rolled into the fender it's terribly funny Oh Janey isn't it funny Jane did not reply for a curious thing was happening to her as she laughed she felt herself growing lighter and lighter just as though she were being pumped full of air it was a curious and delicious feeling and it made her want to laugh all the more and then suddenly with a bouncing bound she felt herself jumping through the air Michael to his astonishment saw her those soaring up through the room with a little bump her head touched the ceiling and then she went bouncing along it till she reached mr. wig well said mr. wig looking very surprised indeed don't tell me it's your birthday - Jane shook her head it's not then miss laughing gasps must be catching I've were there look out for the mental piece this was to Michael who had suddenly wizened from the floor and was swooping through the air roaring with laughter and just grazing the china ornaments on the mantelpiece as he passed he landed with a bounce right on mr. Wickes knee how do you do said mr. wig heartily shaking Michael by the hand I call this really friendly of you bless my soul I do too come up to me since I couldn't come down to you eh and then he and Michael looked at each other and flung back their heads and simply howled with laughter I say said Mr wick to Jane as he wiped his eyes you'll be thinking I have the worst manners in the world you're standing and you ought to be sitting and young lady like you I'm afraid I can't offer you a chair up here but I think you'll find the air quite comfortable to sit on I do Jane tried it and found she could sit down quite comfortably on the air she took off her hat and laid it down beside her and it hung there in space without any support at all that's right said Mr wig then he turned and looked down at Mary Poppins well Mary we're fixed and now I can inquire about you my dear I must say I am very glad to welcome you and my two young friends here today why Mary your founding I'm afraid you don't approve of all of this he waved his hand at Jane and Michael and said hurriedly I apologize Mary my dear but you know how it is with me still I must say I never thought my two young friends here would catch it really I didn't marry I suppose I should have asked them for another day or try to think of something sad or something well I must say said mary poppins primly but i have never in my life seen such a sight and at your age uncle mary poppins mary poppins do come up interrupted Michael think of something funny and you'll find is quite easy ah now do Mary said mr. weak persuasively well lonely up here without you said Jane and held out her arms towards Mary Poppins do think of something funny ah she doesn't need to said mr. weeks sighing she can come up if she wants to even without laughing and she knows it and he looked mysteriously and secretly at Mary Poppins as she stood down there on the hearth rug well said Mary Poppins is all very silly and undignified but since you're all up there and don't seem able to get down I suppose I better come up to with that to the surprise at Jane and Michael she put her hands down at her side and without a laugh without even the faintest glimmer of a smile she shot up through the air and sat down beside Jane how many times I like - no she said snappily have I told you to take off your coat when you come into a hot room and sham button James coat and laid it neatly on the air beside the Hat that's right Mary that's right said mr. wick contentedly as he leant down and put his spectacles on the mantelpiece now we're all comfortable there's comfort and comfort sniffed Mary Poppins and we can have tea mr. week went on apparently not noticing her remark and then a startled look came over his face my goodness he said how grateful I've just realized the tables down there and we're up here what are we going to do we're here and it's there always an awful tragedy awful but oh it's terribly comic and he hid his face in his handkerchief and laughed loudly into it Jane and Michael though they did not want to miss the crumpets and the cakes couldn't help laughing - because mr. week's mirth was so infectious mr. wick dried his eyes there's only one thing for it he said we must think of something serious something sad very sad and then we shall be able to hit him now one two three something very sad mind you they thought and thought with their chins on their hands Michael thought of school and that one day he would have to go there but even that seemed funny today and he had to laugh Jane thought I should be grown-up in another 14 years but that didn't sound sad at all but quite nice and and rather funny she could not help smiling at the thought of herself grown-up with long skirts and a handbag there was my poor old aunt Emily thought mr. wig out loud she was run over by an omnibus sad very sad unbearably sad poor Aunt Emily but they saved her umbrella that was funny wasn't it and before he knew where he was he was heaving and trembling and bursting with laughter at the thought of aunt Emily's umbrella it is no good he said blowing his nose I give up and my young friends here seem to be no better of sadness than I am Mary can't you do suddenly we want Artie to this day Jane and Michael cannot be sure of what happened then all they know for certain is that as soon as mr. wick had appealed to Mary Poppins the table below began to wriggle on its legs presently it was swaying dangerously and then with a rattle of China and with cakes lurching off their plates onto the cloth the table came soaring through the room gave one graceful turn and landed beside them so that mr. week was at its head good girl said Mr wig smiling proudly upon her I knew you'd fix something now will you take the foot of the table and pour out Mary and the guests on either side of me that's the idea he said as Michael ran bobbing through the air and sat down on mr. weeks right Jane was at his left hand bare they were all together up in the air and the table between them not a single piece of bread-and-butter or a lump of sugar had been left behind mr. wig smiled contentedly it is usual I think to begin with bread and butter he said to Jane and Michael but as is my birthday we will begin the wrong way which I always think is the right way with the cake and he cut a large slice everybody warty he said to Jane but before she had time to reply there was a quick sharp knock at the door come in call mr. wig the door opened and there stood miss persimmon with a jug of hot water on a tray I thought mr. week she began looking searchingly round the room you'll be wanting some more hot when I never I simply never she said as she caught sight of the more seated on the air round the table such goings-on I never did see in all my born days I never saw such I'm sure mr. week I always knew you were a bit odd but I've closed my eyes to it being as how you paid your rent regular but such behavior is this having tea in the air with your guests mr. wick sir I'm astonished at you it's that undignified a gentleman of your age I never did but perhaps you will miss persimmon said Michael well what said mr. Simon haughtily catch the laughing gas as wounded said Michael mr. Simonet flung back her head scornfully I hope young man she retorted I have more respect for myself than to go bouncing about in the air like a rubber ball on the end of a bat I'll steal my own beat thank you oh my name's not Amy persimmon and oh dear oh dear my goodness Oh what is the matter I can't walk I'm gonna help but miss persimmon quite against her will was off the ground and was stumbling through the air rolling from side to side like a very thin battle balancing the tray in her hand she was almost weeping with distress as she arrived at the table and put down her jug of hot water thank you said Mary Poppins in a calm very polite voice then miss persimmon turned and went walked him down again murmuring she went big the fat and me a well behaved caring woman Oh doctor when she touched the floor she ran hurriedly out of the room wringing her hands and not giving a single glance backwards so dignified they heard her moaning as she shut the door behind her her name can't be Amy persimmon because she didn't stay on her own feet whispered Jane to Michael but mr. wig was looking at Mary Poppins a curious look half amused half accusing Mary Mary you shouldn't bless my soul you shouldn't marry the poor old body we'll never get over it but oh my goodness didn't she look funny Watling through the air my gracious goodness but didn't she and he and Jane and Michael were off again rolling about the air clutching their sides and gasping with laughter at the thought of how funny miss persimmon had looked oh dear said Michael don't make me laugh anymore I can't stand it ah she'll break oh oh oh cried Jane as she gasped for breath with her hand over her heart oh my gracious lumping goodness road mr. week dabbing his eyes with his coattail because he couldn't find his handkerchief it is time to go home MARY POPPINS his voice sounded about the roars of laughter like a trumpet and suddenly with a rush Jane and Michael and mr. wick came down they landed on the floor with a huge bump all together the thought that they would have to go home was the first sad thought of the afternoon and the moment it was in their minds the laughing gas went out of them Jane and Michael sighed as they watched Mary Poppins come slowly down the air carrying James cotton hat mr. wick side to a great long heavy sigh well isn't that a pity he said soberly it's very sad that you've got to go home I never enjoyed an afternoon so much did you never said Michael sadly feeling how dull it was to be down on the earth again with no laughing glass inside him never never said Jane as she stood on tiptoe and kissed mr. weeks withered Apple cheeks never never never never they sat on either side of Mary Poppins going home in the bus they were both very quiet thinking over the lovely afternoon presently Michael said sleepily to Mary Poppins how often does your uncle get like that like what said Mary Poppins sharply as though Michael had deliberately said something to offend her we're all bouncy and bound he and laughing and going up in the air up in the air Mary Poppins his voice was high and angry what do you mean pray up in the air Jane tried to explain Michael means is your uncle often full of laughing gas and does he often go rolling and bopping about on the ceiling when throwing a popping what an idea rolling a bobbing on the ceiling you'll be telling me next he's a balloon Mary opens give an offended sniff but he did said Michael we saw him what Ronin Bob how dare you I'll have you know that my uncle is a sober honest hard-working man and you'll be kind enough to speak of him respectfully and don't fight your bus ticket Roland Bob indeed the idea Michael and Jane looked across Mary Poppins at each other they said nothing they had learned that it was better not to argue with Mary Poppins no matter how odd anything seemed but the look that passed between them said is it true or isn't it about mr. wig is Mary Poppins right or a wee but there was nobody to give him the right answer the bus roared on wildly lurching and bounding Mary Poppins sat between them offended and silent and presently because they were very tired they crept closer to her and leant up against her sides and fell asleep still wandering chapter 4 miss larks Andrew miss lark lived next door but before we go any further I must tell you what next-door looked like it was a very grand house by far the grandest in Cherry Tree Lane even Admiral boom had been known to envied miss lark her wonderful house though his own had ships funnels instead of chimneys and a Flagstaff in the front garden over and over again the inhabitants of the Lane heard him say as he rolled past miss larks mansion lost me gizzard what does she want with a house like that and the reason of admiral booms jealousy was that miss lark had two gates one was for Miss larks friends and relations and the other for the butcher and the Baker and the milkman once the Baker made a mistake and came in through the gate reserved for the Friends of relations and miss lark was so angry that she said she wouldn't have any more bread ever but in the end she had to forgive the Baker because he was the only one in the neighborhood who made those little flat rolls with the curly twists of cross on the top she never really liked him very much after that however and when he came he his hat far down over his eyes so that miss lark might think he was something else but she never did Jane and Michael always knew when Miss lark was in the garden or coming along the lane because she was so many brooches and necklaces and earrings that she jingled and jangled just like a brass band and whenever she met them she always said the same thing good morning or good afternoon if it happened to be after luncheon and how are we today and Jane and Michael were never quite sure whether miss lark was asking how they were or how she and Andrew were so they just replied good afternoon or of course good morning if it was before luncheon all day long no matter where the children were they could hear miss lark cording in a very loud voice things like Andrew where are you or Andrew you mustn't go out without your overcoat or Andrew come to mother and if you didn't know you would think that Andrew must be a little boy indeed Jane thought that miss lark thought that Andrew was a little boy but Andrew wasn't he was a dog one of those small silky fluffy dogs that looked like a fur necklace until they begin to bark but of course when they do that you know that they're dogs no fur nekkid ever made a noise like that now Andrew led such a luxurious life that you might have thought it was the shower of pascha in disguise he slept on a silk pillow in Miss larks room he went by car to the hairdresser's twice a week to be shampooed he had cream for every meal and sometimes oysters and she possessed four overcoats with checks and stripes in different colors Andrews ordinary days were filled with the kind of things most people have only on birthdays and when Andrew himself had a birthday he had two candles on his cake so every year instead of only one the effect of all this was to make angel very much disliked in the neighborhood people used to laugh heartily when they saw Andrew sitting up in the back seat of Miss larks car on the way to the hairdresser's with the fur rug over his knees and his best coat on and on the day when Miss lap bought him two pairs of small leather boots so that he could go out in the park wet or fine everybody in the lane came down to their front gates to watch him go by and to smile secretly behind their hands who said Michael as they were watching Andrew one day through the fence that separated number seventeen from next door who he's an inky poop how do you know asked Jane very interested I know because I heard daddy call in one this morning said Michael and he laughed at Andrew very rudely he is not a nincompoop said Mary Poppins and bad is that and Mary Poppins was right Andrew wasn't a nincompoop as you will very soon see you must not think he did not respect miss lark he did he was even fond of her in a mild sort of way he couldn't help having a kindly feeling for somebody who had been so good to him ever since he was a puppy even if she did kiss him rather too often but there was no doubt about it that the life Andrew led bored him to destruction he would have given half his fortune if he had won for a nice piece of raw red meat instead of the usual breast of chicken or scrambled eggs with asparagus for in his secret innermost heart Andrew longed to be a common dog he never passed his pedigree which hung on the wall in Miss larks drawing-room without a shudder of shame and many a time he wished he'd never had a father nor a grandfather nor a great grandfather if miss lark was going to make such a fuss of it it was this desire of his to be a common dog that made Andrew choose common dogs for his friends and whenever he got the chance he would run down to the front gate and sit there watching for them so that he could exchange a few common remarks but miss lark when she discovered him would be sure to call out Andrew and will come in my darling come away from those dreadful Street Arabs and of course Andrew would have to come in or miss lark would shame him by coming out and bringing him in and Andrew would blush and hurry up the steps so that his friends should not hear her calling him her precious her joy her little lump of sugar Andrews most special friend was more than common he was a byword he was half an Airedale and half a retriever and the worst half of both whenever there was a fight in the road he would be sure to be in the thick of it he was always getting into trouble with the postman or the policeman and there was nothing he loved better than sniffing about in drains or garbage tins he was in fact the talk of the whole street and more than one person had been heard to say thankfully that they were glad he was not their dog but Andrew loved him and was continually on the watch for him sometimes they had only time to exchange a sniff in the park but on luckier occasions though these were very rare they would have long talks at the gate from his friend and who heard all the town gossip and you could see by the rude way in which the other dog laughed as he told it that it wasn't very complimentary then suddenly miss larks voice would be heard calling from a window and the other dog would get up loll out his tongue at miss lark wink at Andrew and wander off waving his hindquarters as he went just to show that he didn't care Andrew of course was never allowed outside the gate unless he went with miss lark for a walk in the park or with one of the maids to have his toes manicured imagine then the surprise of Jane and Michael when they saw Andrew all alone careering pass and through the park with his ears back and his tail up as though he were on the track of a tiger Mary Poppins pulled the perambulator up with a jerk in case Andrew in his wild flight should upset it and the twins and Jane and Michael screamed at him as he passed hi Andrew where's your overcoat cried Michael trying to make a high windy voice like Miss larks Adam you naughty little boy said Jane and her voice because she was a girl was much more like Miss larks but Andrew just looked at them both very haughty and bowed sharply in the direction of Mary Poppins yap yap said Andrew several times very quickly let me see I think it's the first on your right and second house on the Left hand-side said Mary Poppins yep said Andrew no no garden only a back yard gates usually open Andrew barked again I'm not sure said Mary Poppins but I should think so generally goes home at tea time and who flung back his head and off again at a gallop Jane's eyes and Michaels were round as sources with surprise what was he saying they demanded breathlessly both together just passing the time of day said Mary Poppins and shut her mouth tightly as though she did not intend any more words to escape from it John and Barbara girdled from their perambulator he wasn't said Michael he couldn't have been said Jane well you know best of course as usual said Mary Poppins quarterly he must have been asking us somebody lived I'm sure he must Michael began well if you know why bother to ask me said Mary Poppins sniffing I'm no dictionary Oh Michael said Jane she'll never tell us if you talk like that Mary Poppins do say what Andrew was saying to you please ask him he knows mr. newell said Mary Poppins nodding her head scornfully at Michael oh no I don't I promise I don't Mary Poppins do tell half past 3:00 teatime said Mary Poppins and she wheeled the perambulator round and shut her mouth tight again as though it were a trapdoor she did not say another word all the way home Jane dropped behind with Michael it's your fault she said now I'll never know I don't care said Michael and he began to push his scooter very quickly I don't want to know but he did want to know very badly indeed and as it turned out he and Jane and everybody else knew all about it before teatime just as they were about to cross the road to their own house they heard loud cries coming from next door and there they saw a curious sight miss larks two maids were rushing wildly about the garden looking under bushes and up into the trees as people do who have lost their most valuable possession and there was Robertson I from number 17 busily wasting his time by poking at the gravel or miss larks path with a broom as though he expected to find the missing treasure and repelled miss lark herself was running about in her garden waving her arms and calling Andrew Andrew oh he's lost my darling boy is lost we must send for the police I must see the Prime Minister after his loss oh oh oh poor miss lark said Jane hurrying across the road she could not help feeling sorry because miss lark bleeds so upset but it was Michael who really comforted miss lark just as he was going in at the gate of number 17 he looked down the lane and there he saw why there's Andrew miss lark see down there just turning Admiral booms corner where where show me said Miss lark breathlessly and she peered in the direction in which Michael was pointing and there sure enough was Andrew walking as slowly and especially as though nothing in the world was the matter and beside him waltz the huge dog there seemed to be half an Airedale and half a retriever and the worst half of both oh what a relief said Miss lark sighing loudly what a load off my mind MARY POPPINS and the children waited in the lane outside mr. larks gate miss lark herself and her two maids leant over the fence Roberts and I resting from his Labor's propped himself up with his broom handle and all of them watched in silence the return of an through he and his friend marched sedately up to the group whisking their tails jointly and keeping their ears well cocked and you could tell by the look in Andrews eye that whatever he meant he meant business that rattled buck said miss lark looking at Andrews companion sure sure go home she cried but the dog just sat down on the pavement and scratched his right ear with his left leg and yawned go away go away sure I say said miss lark waving her arms angrily at the dog and you Andrew she went on come indoors this minute going out like that all alone and without your overcoat and very displeased with you and about lazily but did not move what do you mean Andrew come in at once said Miss luck Andrew barked again he says put in Mary Poppins but he's not coming in Miss lark turned and regarded her haughtily how do you know what my dog says may I ask of course he will come in and rue however merely shook his head and gave one or two low growls he won't say Mary Poppins not unless his friend comes to stuff and nonsense said miss lark crossly that can't be what he says as if I could have a great hulking mongrel like that inside my gate Andrew yapped three or four times he says he means it said Mary Poppins and what's more he'll go and live with his friend unless his friend is allowed to come and live with him Oh Andrew you can't you can't really after all I've done for you and everything miss lark was nearly weeping Andrew backed and turned away the other dog got up oh he does mean it cried miss lark I see he does he's going away she stopped a moment into her handkerchief then she blew her nose and said very well then how do I I give in this this common dog can't stay on condition of course but he sleeps in the cold cellar he insists ma'am that that won't do his friend must have a silk cushion just like his and sleep in your room too otherwise he will go and sleep in the coal cellar with his friend said Mary Poppins how could you moaned miss lark I shall never consent to such a thing Andrew looked as though he were preparing to depart so did the other dog oh he's leaving me sweet miss luck very well they're natural it will be as you wish his shall sleep in my room but I shall never be the same again never never such a common dog she wiped her streaming eyes and went on I should never have thought it of you Andrew but I'll say no more no matter what I think and this ya creature I shall have to call leaf or stray or at that the other dog looked at miss lark very indignantly and ándale barked loudly they say you must call him Willoughby and nothing else said mary poppins will it be being his name will be what a name worse and worse said miss Locke despairingly what is he saying now for Andrew was barking again he says that if he comes back you were never to make him wear overcoats or go to the hairdresser's again that's his last word said mary poppins there was a pause very well said Miss Locke at last but I warn you Andrew if you catch your death of cold don't blame me and with that she turned and walked hoarsely up the steps sniffing away the last of her tears Andrew cocked his head towards willoughby as if to say come on and the two of them waltz side by side slowly up the garden path waving their tails like banners and followed miss lark into the house he isn't an Inca poop but after all you see said Jane as they went upstairs to the nursery and tea no agreed Michel but how do you think Mary Poppins knew I don't know said Jane and she'll never never tell us I am sure of that end of disc one disc two chapter 5 the dancing cow Jane with her head tied up in Mary Poppins his bandana handkerchief was in bed with earache what does it feel like Michael wanted to know like guns going off inside my head said Jane cannons no pop guns Oh sir Michael and he almost wished he could have irate - it sounded so exciting should I tell you a story out of one of the books said Michael going to the bookshelf no I just couldn't bear it said Jane holding her ear with her hand well should I sit at the window and tell you what is happening outside yes do said Jane so Michael sat all the afternoon on the window seat telling her everything that occurred in the lane and sometimes his accounts were very dull and sometimes very exciting there's Admiral boom he said once he has come out of his gate and he is hurrying down the lane here he comes his nose is redder than ever and he's wearing a top hat now he is passing next door is he saying blast my gizzard inquired Jane I can't hear I expect so there's miss larks second housemaid in miss Luxx garden and Robertson eye is in our garden sweeping up the leaves and looking at her over the fence he is sitting down now having rest he has a weak heart said Jane how do you know he told me he said his doctor said he was to do as little as possible and I heard daddy say if Robertson I does what his doctor told him to he'll sack him oh how it bangs and bangs said Jane clutching her ear again hey you know said Michael excitedly from the window what is it cried Jane sitting up do tell me every extraordinary thing there's a camel down in the lane said Michael jumping up and down on the window seat how a real cow right in the middle of the town how funny Mary Poppins said Jane there's a cow in the lane michael says yes and is walking very slowly putting its head over every gate and looking round as though it had lost something I wish I could see it said Jane mournfully look said Michael pointing downwards as Mary Poppins came to the window a cow isn't that funny Mary Poppins Gever quick sharp glance down into the lane she started with surprise certainly not she said turning to Jane and Michael it's not funny at all I know that cow she was a great friend of my mother's and I'll thank you to speak politely to her she's smooth her apron and looked at them both very severely have you known her long inquired Michael gently hoping that if he was particularly polite he would hear something more about the cow since before she saw the king said Mary Poppins egg man was that asked Jane in a soft encouraging voice Mary Poppins stared into space her eyes fixed upon something that they could not see Jane and Michael held their breath waiting it was long ago said Mary Poppins in a brooding storytelling voice she paused as though she were remembering events that happened hundreds of years before that time then she went on dreamily still gazing into the middle of the room but without seeing anything the Red Cow that's the name she went by and very important and prosperous she was too so my mother said she lived in the best field in the whole district a large one full of buttercups the size of saucers and dandelions standing up in it like soldiers every time she ate the head off one soldier another grew up in its place with a green military coat and a yellow Busby she had lived there always she often told my mother that she couldn't remember the time when she hadn't lived in that field a world was bounded by green hedges in the sky and she knew nothing of what lay beyond these the Red Cow was very respectable she always behaved like a perfect lady and she knew what was what to her a thing was either black or white there was nothing in between dandelions were either sweet or sour there were never any moderately nice ones she led a very busy life her mornings were taken up in giving lessons to the red calf her daughter and in the afternoon she taught the little one deportment and mooing and all the things a really well wort up car No then they had their supper and a Red Cow showed the red card how to select a good blade of grass from a bad one and when her child had gone to sleep at night she would go into a corner of the fields and chew the cud and pink her own quiet thoughts all her days were exactly the same one red car blew up and went away and another came in its place and it was natural that the Red Cow should imagine that her life would always be the same as it had always be indeed she felt that you could ask for nothing better than for all her days to be alike till she came to the end of them but at the very moment she was thinking these thoughts adventure as she afterwards told my mother was stalking her it came upon her one night when the stars themselves looked like dandelions in the sky and the moon a great Daisy among the stars on this night long after the red car was asleep the Red Cow stood up suddenly and began to dance she danced wildly and beautifully and in perfect time though she had no music to go by sometimes it was a polka sometimes a Highland Fling and sometimes a special dance that she made up out of her own head and in between these dances she would curtsy and make sweeping boughs and knock her head against the dandelions dear me said the Red Cow to herself as she began on a sailor's hornpipe what an extraordinary thing I always thought dancing improper but it can't be since I myself am dancing but I am a model cow and she went on dancing and thoroughly enjoying herself at last however she grew tired and decided that she had danced enough and that she would go to sleep but to her great surprise she found that she could not stop dancing when she went to lie down beside the red calf her legs would not let her they went on tapering and prancing and of course carrying her with them round and round the fields she went leaping and waltzing and stepping on tiptoe dear me she murmured at intervals with a ladylike accent how very but Julia but she couldn't stop in the morning she was still dancing and the red car had to take its breakfast of dandelions all itself because the Red Cow could not remain still enough to eat all through the day she danced up and down the meadow and round and round the meadow with the red calf mooing piteously behind her when the second night came and she was still at it and still could not stop she grew very worried and at the end of a week of dancing she was nearly distracted I must go and see the king about it she decided shaking her head so she kissed her red calf and told it to be good then she turned and danced out of the meadow and went to tell the king she danced all dawei snatching little sprays of green food from the hedges as she went and every eye that saw her stared with astonishment but none of them were more astonished than the Red Cow herself at last she came to the palace where the King lived she pulled the bell-rope with her mouth and when the gate opened she danced through it and up the broad garden path till she came to the flight of steps that led to the king's throne upon this the king was sitting busily making a new set of laws his secretary was writing them down in a little red notebook one after another as the king thought of them there were cautious and ladies-in-waiting everywhere all very gorgeously dressed and all talking at once how many have I made today asked the King turning to the secretary the secretary counted the laws he'd written down in the red notebook seventy-two your majesty he said bowing low and taking care not to trip over his quill pen which was a very large one hmm not bad for an hour's work said the King looking very pleased with himself that's enough for today he stood up and arranged his own cloak very tastefully order my coach my must go to the barbers he said magnificently it was then that he noticed the red car approaching he sat down again and took up his scepter what have we here ho he demanded as a Red Cow danced to the foot of the steps a cow your majesty she answered simply I can see that said the king I still have my eyesight but what do you want to be quick because I have an appointment with Barbara 10 he won't wait for me longer than that and I must have my hair cut and for goodness sake stop cheating and jagang about like that he added irritably it makes me quite giddy quite giddy echoed all the courtiers staring that's just my trouble your majesty I can't stop said the Red Cow piteously Carl stop nonsense said the king furious they stopped at once I the King command you stop at once the King commands you cried all the courtiers the Red Cow made a great effort she tried so hard to stop dancing that every muscle and every rib stood out like mountain ranges all over her but it was no good she just went on dancing at the foot of the King steps I have tried your majesty and I can't I've been dancing now for seven days running and I have had no sleep and very little to eat her white thorns spray or two that's all so I've come to ask your advice hmm very curious said the King pushing the crown on one side and scratching his head very curious said the court just scratching their heads too what does it feel like ask the King funny said the Red Cow and yet she paused as if choosing her words it's rather a pleasant feeling to earth as if laughter were running up and down inside me extraordinary said the King and he put his chin on his hand and stared at the Red Cow pondering on what was the best thing to do suddenly he sprang to his feet and said good gracious what is it cried all the coaches why don't you see said the King getting very excited and dropping his scepter what an idiot I was not to have noticed it before and what idiots you were etern furiously upon the court yes don't you see that there's a fallen star caught on a horn so there is cried the coaches as they all suddenly noticed the star for the first time and as they looked it seemed to them that the grew brighter that's what's wrong said the king now you coaches had better put it off so that this some lady can stop dancing and have some breakfast it's the star madam that is making you dance he said to the red cow now come along you and he motioned to the chief courtier who presented himself smartly before the red cow and began to tug at the star it would not come off the chief court sure was joined by one after another of the other coaches and said at last there was a long chain of them each holding the man in front of him by the waist and a tug-of-war began between the Quartus and the star mind my head entreated the red cow pull harder roared the king they pulled harder they pulled until their faces were read as raspberries they pulled till they could pull no longer and all fell back one on top of the other the star did not move it remained firmly fixed to the horn said the king secretary look in the encyclopedia and see what it says about cows with stars on their horns the secretary knelt down and began to crawl under the throne presently he emerged carrying a large green book which was always kept there in case the king wanted to know anything he turned the pages there's nothing at all your majesty except the story of the cow who jumped over the moon and you know all about that the king wrapped his chin because that helped him to think he sighed irritably and looked at the red cow all I can say he said is that you'd better try that to try what said the red cow jumping over the moon might have an effect worth trying anyway me said the red cow with an outrage stir yes Moo who else said the king impatiently he was anxious to get to the barbers Sarah said the red cow I beg you to remember that I am a decent respectable animal and have been taught from my infancy but jumping was no occupation for a lady the stood up and shook his scepter at her madam he said you came here for my advice and I have given it to you do you want to go on dancing forever do you want to go hungry forever do you want to do sleepless forever the Red Cow thought of the lush sweet taste of dandelions she thought of meadow grass and how soft it was to lie on she thought of her weary capering legs and how nice it would be to rest them and she said to herself perhaps just for once it wouldn't matter and nobody except the king need know how high do you suppose it is she said aloud as she danced the king looked up at the moon at least a mile I should think said he the Red Cow nodded she thought so too for a moment she considered and then she made up her mind I never thought that I should come to this your majesty jumping and over the moon at bat but I will try it she said and curtsied gracefully to the throne good said the king pleasantly realising that he would be in time for the barber after all follow me he led the way into the garden and the Red Cow and the courtiers followed him now said the king when he reached the open lawn when I blow the whistle jump he took a large golden whistle from his waistcoat pocket and blew into it lightly to make sure there was no dust in it the Red Cow danced it attention now one said the king pool three then he blew the whistle the Red Cow drawing in her breath gave one huge tremendous jump and the earth fell away beneath her she could see the figures of the king and the coaches growing smaller and smaller until they disappeared below she herself shot upwards through the sky with the Stars spinning around her like great golden plates and presently in blinding light she felt the cold rays of the moon upon her she shut her eyes as she went over it and as the dazzling gleam passed behind her and she bent her head towards the earth again she felt the star slipped down her horn with a great rush it fell off and went rolling down the sky and it seemed to her that as it disappeared into the darkness great chords of music came from it and echoed through the air in another minute the Red Cow had landed on the earth again to her great surprise she found that she was not in the Kings garden but in her own dandelion field and she had stopped dancing her feet were as steady as though they were made of stone and she walked as sedately as any other respectable cow quietly and serenely she moved across the field the heading her golden soldiers as she went to greet the red calf I'm so glad you're back said the red calf I've been so lonely the red cow kissed it and felt a munching the meadow it was her first wood meal for a week and by the time her hunger was satisfied she'd eaten up several regiments after that she felt better she soon began to live her life just exactly as she had lived it before but first she enjoyed her quiet regular habits very much and was glad to be able to eat her breakfast without dancing and to lie down in the grass and sleep at night instead of curtseying to the moon until the morning but after a little she began to feel uncomfortable and dissatisfied her dandelion field and her red calf were all very well but she wanted something else and she couldn't think what it was at last she realized that she was missing her star she had grown so used to dancing and to the happy feeling the star had given her but she wanted to do a sailor's hornpipe and to have the star on her horn again she fretted she lost her appetite her tempo was atrocious and she frequently burst into tears for no reason at all eventually she went to my mother and told her the whole story and asked her advice good gracious my dear my mother said to her you don't suppose that only one star ever fell out of the sky billions fall every night I'm told but they fall into four places of course you can't expect two stars to drop in the same field in one lifetime then you think if I move the part of it the Red Cow began a happy eager look coming into her eyes if it were me said my mother I'd go and look for one by well said the Red Cow joyously I will indeed MARY POPPINS paused and that I suppose is why she was walking down Cherry Tree Lane Jane prompted gently yes whisper she was looking for her star mary poppins sat up with a little start the intent look had gone from her eyes and a stillness from her body come down from that window at once sir she said crossly I'm going to turn on the lights and she hurried across the landing to the electric light switch Michael said Jane in a careful whisper just that one look and see if that house still there currently Michael peered out through the gathering dusk quickly said Jane Mary Poppins will be back in one minute can you see her no said Michael staring out not a sign of her she's gone I do hope she finds it said Jane thinking of the Red Cow roaming through the world looking for a star to stick on her horn so do I said Michael as at the sound of Mary Poppins his returning footsteps he hurriedly pull down the blind chapter six bad Tuesday it was not very long afterwards that Michael woke up one morning with a curious feeling inside him he knew the moment he opened his eyes that something was wrong but he was not quite sure what it was what is today Mary Poppins he inquired pushing the bedclothes away from him Tuesday said Mary Poppins go and turn on your bath hurry she said as he made no effort to move he turned over and pulled the bedclothes up over his head and the curious feeling increased what did I say said Mary Poppins in that cold clear voice that was always a warning Michael knew now what was happening to him he knew he was going to be naughty I won't he said slowly his voice muffled by the blanket Mary Poppins twitched the clothes from his hand and looked down upon him I won't he waited wondering what she would do and was surprised when without a word she went into the bathroom and turned on the tap herself he took his towel and went slowly in as she came out and for the first time in his life Michael entirely baths himself he knew by this that he was in disgrace and he purposely neglected to wash behind his ears shall I let out the water he inquired in the rudest voice he had there was no reply Pooh I don't care said Michael and the hot heavy weight that was within him swelled and grew larger I don't care he dressed himself then putting on his best clothes that he knew were only for Sunday and after that he went downstairs kicking the banisters with his feet a thing he knew he should not do as it waked up everybody else in the house on the stairs he met Ellen the housemaid and as he passed her he knocked the hot water jug out of her hand well you are a clumsy said Ellen as she bent down to mop up the water that was for your father's shaving I meant to said Michael calmly Ellen's red face went quite white with surprise meant to you meant well then you're a very bad heathen boy and I'll tell your ma so I will do said Michael and he went on down the stairs well that was the beginning of it throughout the rest of the day nothing went right with him the hot heavy feeling inside him made him do the most awful things and as soon as he done them he felt extraordinarily pleased and glad and thought out some more at one in the kitchen mrs. brill the cook was making scones no master Michael she said you can't scrape out the base and it's not empty yet and at that he led out his foot and kicked mrs. brill very hard on the shin so that she dropped the rolling pin and screamed aloud she kicked mrs. brill kind mrs. Bell I'm ashamed of you said his mother a few minutes later when mrs. Willet told her the whole story you must make up a hadn't at once say you're sorry Michael but I'm not sorry I'm glad her legs are too fat he said and before they could catch him he ran away up the area steps and into the garden there he purposely bumped into Roberts and I who was sound asleep on top of the best rock plants and Roberts and I was very angry I'll tell your paw he said threateningly and I'll tell him you haven't cleaned the shoes this morning said Michael and was a little astonished at himself it was his habit and James always to protect Roberts and I because they loved him and didn't want to lose him but he was not astonished for long but he had begun to wonder what he could do next and it was no time before he thought of something through the bars of the fence he could see miss lark santol daintily sniffing at the next-door lawn and choosing himself the best blades of grass he called softly to Andrew and gave him a biscuit out of his own pocket and while Andrew was munching it he tied Andrews tail to the fence with a piece of string then he ran away with Miss larks angry outreached voice screaming in his ears and his body almost bursting with the exciting weight of that heavy thing inside of him the door of his father's study stood open for Ellen had just been dusting the books so Michael did have her bidden thing he went in sat down at his father's desk and with his father's pen began to scribble on the blotter suddenly his elbow knocking against the ink pot upset it and the chair and the desk and the quill pen and his own best clothes were covered with great spreading stains of blue ink it looked dreadful and fear of what would happen to him stirred within Michael but in spite of that he didn't care he didn't feel the least bit sorry that child must be ill said mrs. banks when she was told by Annan who suddenly returned and discovered him of the latest adventure Michael you shall have some syrup of figs I'm not ill and well er than you said Michael rudely then you're simply naughty said his mother and you shall be punished and sure enough five minutes later Michael found himself standing in his stained clothes in a corner of the nursery facing the war Jane tried to speak to him when Mary Poppins was not looking but he would not answer and put out his tongue at her when John and Barbara called along the floor and each took hold of one of his shoes and gurgled he just pushed them roughly away and all the time he was enjoying his badness hugging it to him as though it were a friend and not caring a bit I hate being good he said aloud to himself as he trailed after Mary Poppins and Jane and the perambulator on the afternoon walk to the park don't dawdle said Mary Poppins looking back at him but he went on dawdling and dragging the sides of his shoes along the pavement in order to scratch the leather suddenly Mary Poppins turned and faced him one hand on the handle of the perambulator you she began got out of bed the wrong side this morning I didn't said Michael there is no wrong side to my bed every bed has a right and a wrong side said Mary Poppins primly not mine it's next to the wall that makes no difference it's still aside scoffed Mary Poppins well is the wrong side the left side or is the wrong side the right side because I got out on the right side so how can it be wrong both sides were the wrong side this morning mr. smarty but it has only one and if I got out the right side he argued one word more from you began Mary Poppins and she said it in such a peculiarly threatening voice that even Michael felt a little nervous one more word and I'll she did not say what she would do but he quickened his pace yourself get that Michael said Jane in a whisper you shut up he said but so know that Mary Poppins could not hear now sir said Mary Poppins off you go in front of me please I'm not going to have you Stroeve aging behind any longer you'll oblige me by going on ahead she pushed him in front of her and she continued there's a shiny thing sparkling on the path just along there I'll thank you to go and pick it up and bring it to me somebody's dropped their tiara perhaps against his will but because he didn't dare not to Michael looked in the direction in which he was pointing yes there was something shining on the path from that distance it looked very interesting and it's sparkling rays of light seemed to beckon him he walked on swaggering a little going as slowly as he dared and pretending that he didn't really want to see what it was he reached the spot and stooping picked up the shining thing it was a small round sort of box with a glass top and on the glass and arrow marked inside a round disc that seemed to be covered with letters swung gently as he moved the box Jane ran up and looked at it over a shoulder what is it Michael she asked I won't tell you said Michael though he didn't know himself mary poppins what is it demanded chain as a perambulator drew up beside them mary poppins took the little box from Michael's hand it's mine he said jealously no mine said Mary Poppins I saw it first but I picked it up he tried to snatch it from her hand but she gave him such a look that his hand felt his side she tilted the round thing backwards and forwards and in the sunlight the disc in its letters went careering madly inside the box what's it for asked Jane to go around the world with said Mary Poppins who said Michael you go round the world in a ship or an aeroplane I know that the box thing wouldn't take you round the world Oh indeed wouldn't it said Mary Poppins with a curious I know better the new expression on her face you just watch and holding the compass in her hand she turned towards the entrance of the park and the word north the letters slid round the arrow dancing giddily suddenly the atmosphere seemed to grow bitterly cold and the wind became so I see that Jane and Michael shut their eyes against it when they opened them the park had entirely disappeared not a tree nor a green painted seat nor an asphalt footpath was in sight instead they were surrounded by great boulders of blue ice and beneath their feet snow lay thickly frosted upon the ground Oh Oh cried Jane shivering with cold and surprised and she rushed to cover twins with a perambulator rock what has happened to us Mary Poppins sniffed she had no time to reply however but at that moment a white fairy head peered cautiously round a boulder then a huge polar bear yep tout and standing on his hind legs proceeded to hug Mary Poppins I was afraid you might be trapars he said welcome to the North Pole all of you he put out a long pink tongue rough and warm as a bath towel and gently licked the children's cheeks they trembled did polar bears eat children they wandered you're shivering the bear said kindly that's because you need something to eat make yourselves comfortable on this iceberg he waved a pour at a block of ice now what would you like caught shrimps just something to keep the wolf from the door I'm afraid we can't stay MARY POPPINS broken we're on our way around the world well do let me get you a little snack it won't take me a jiffy he sprang into the blue-green water and came up with a herring I wish you could have stayed for a chat he tucked the fish into Mary Poppins his hand I'm long for a bit of gossip another time perhaps she said and thank you for the fish south she said to the compass it seemed to Jane and Michael then that the or spinning round them as they felt the air getting soft and warm they found themselves in a leafy jungle from which came a noisy sound of squawking welcomed shrieked a large hyacinth macaw who was perched on a branch with outstretched wings you're just the person we need Mary Poppins my wife's off gagging and I've left to sit on the eggs don't take a turn there is a good girl I need a little rest he lifted a spread wing cautiously disclosing a nest with two white eggs alas this is just a passing visit where are our way around the world gracious what a journey well stay for a little moment so that I can get some sleep if you could look after all those creatures he nodded at the children you can keep two small eggs warm do Mary Poppins and our gaze of bananas instead of that wiggling fish it was a present said Mary Poppins well well keep it if you must but what madness to go gallivanting around the world when you could stay and bring up our nestings why should we spend our time sitting when you could do it as well better you mean sniffed Mary Poppins then to Jane and Michael's disappointment they would dearly have lights and tropical fruit she shook her head decisively and said East again the world went spinning round them or were they spinning round the world and then whichever it was ceased they found themselves in a grassy clearing surrounded by bamboo trees green paper like leaves rustled in the breeze and above that quiet swishing they could hear a steady rhythmic sound a snore was it a purr glancing round they beheld a large fairy shape black with blotches of white was it white with blotches of black they could not really be sure Jane and Michael gazed at each other was it a dream from which they would wake or were they seeing of all things a panda and a panda in its own home and not behind bars in a zoo the dream if it was a dream drew a long breath whoever please go away I rest in the afternoon the voice was as far as the rest of him very well then we will go away and then perhaps MARY POPPINS his voice was at its most British you'll be sorry you missed us the Panda opened one black eye my girl he said sleepily why not just let me know coming difficult dirt would have been for you I would have stayed away the fur is shape yawned and stretched itself oh well our hats make her homes you all it won't be enough room in mine he nodded at a neat shelter made of leaves and bamboo sticks but he added eyeing the herring I will not allow that scary sheathing under any move my fishes are part fishy [Music] we shall not be staying MARY POPPINS assured him we're taking a little trip around the world and just looked in for a moment Oh nonsense the Panda gave an enormous yawn traipsing wildly around the world when you could stay here with me never mind my dear marry you always do you want to do however absurd and foolish pluck a few young bamboo shoots they'll sustain you to get hmm and you too he nodded it Jane and Michael she called me gently behind ease that always seems mrs. sleep eagerly they sat down beside him and stroked the silky fur never again they were sure of it where they had the chance of stroking a panda the furry shape settled itself as they stroked the snore or the / began its rhythm he's asleep said Mary Poppins softly we mustn't wake him again she beckoned to the children and as they came on tiptoe to water she gave a flick of her wrist and a compass apparently understood but the spinning began again hills and lakes mountains and forests went waltzing round them to unheard music then again the world was still as if it had never moved this time they found themselves on a long white shore with wavelets lapping and curling against it and immediately before them was a cloud of whirling swirling sand from which came a series of grunts then slowly the cloud settled disclosing a large black and gray dolphin with a young one at her side is that you Amelia called Mary Poppins the dolphin blew some sand from her nose and gave a start of surprise of all people its Mary Poppins you're just in time to share a fan bath nothing like a sand bath for cleansing the fins and the tail I had a bath this morning thank you well what about this young ones dear couldn't they do with a bit of scarring they have no fins and Tails said Mary Poppins much to the children's disappointment they would have liked a roll in the sand well or see are you doing here Amelia demanded Brisky oh just going round the world you know Mary Poppins said airily as though going round the world was a thing you did every day well it's a treat for froggy and me isn't it froggy Amelia buttered him with her nose and the young dolphin gave a friendly squeak call him froggy because he's so often strays away just like the frog that would a wooing go whether his mother would let him or no don't do froggy her answer was another sweep well now for a meal what would you yak Amelia grinned at Jane and Michael displaying a splendid array of teeth there's cockles and mussels alive alive oh and the seaweed here is excellent thank you kindly I'm sure yeah but we have to be home in half a minute MARY POPPINS laid a firm hand on the handle of the perambulator amelia was clearly disappointed whatever kind of visit is that hello and goodbye in the same breath next time you must stay fatigued and we'll all sit together on a rock and sing a song to the moon hey froggy froggy squeaked that will be lovely said Mary Poppins and Jane and Michael echoed her words they had never yet sat on a rock and sang a song to the moon well oh wow one and all by the way you marry my dear were you going to take that herring with you Amelia greedily I'd the fish which fearing the worst was about to happen made itself as limp as it could in Mary Poppins his hand no I'm planning to throw it back to the sea the herring gasped with relief a very proper decision Mary Amelia truthfully smiled we get so few of them in these parts and they make a delicious meal why don't we race for it foggy and me when you say go we'll start suing and see who gets it first Mary Poppins held the fish aloft Ready Steady Go she cried and as if it were bird rather than fish the herring swooped up and splashed into the sea the dolphins were after it in a second to dark striving shapes rippling through the water Jane and Michael could hardly breathe which would win the prize or would the prize escape froggy froggy froggy yelled Michael if the herring had to be caught and eaten he wanted froggy to win froggy the wind and the sea both cry the name but Michaels voice was the stronger what do you think you're doing Michael Mary Poppins sounded ferocious he glanced at her for a moment and turned again to the sea but the sea was not there nothing but in neat green lawn Jane agog beside him the twins in the parabola tur and Mary Poppins pushing it in the middle of the park jumping up and down and shouting making a nuisance of yourself one would think you've done enough for one day still all at once please and the world and back in a minute what a wonderful box said Jane it's a compass not a box and it's mine said Michael I found it give it to me my compass thank you said mary poppins as she slipped it into our pocket he looked as if he would like to kill her but he shrugged his shoulders and stored off taking no notice of anyone the burning weight still hung heavily within him after the adventure with the compass it seemed to grow worse and towards the evening he grew naughty a and naughty a he pinched the twins when mary poppins was not looking and when they cried he said in a falsely kind voice why darlings what is the matter but Mary Poppins was not deceived by it you've got something coming to you she said significantly but the burning thing inside him would not let him care he just shrugged his shoulders and pulled Jane's hair and after that he went to the supper table and upset his bread and milk and that said Mary Poppins is the end such deliberate naughtiness I never saw in all my born days I never did and that's a fact off you go straight into bed with you and not another word he had never seen her look so terrible but still he didn't care he went into the night nursery and undressed no he didn't care he was a bad and if they didn't look out he'd be worse he didn't care he hated everybody if they weren't careful he would run away and join a circus there off went a bum good there would be fewer to do up in the morning and another or that better nothing in all the world could ever make him feel sorry he would get into bed without brushing his hair or his teeth certainly without saying his prayers he was just about to get into bed and indeed had one foot already in it when he noticed the compass lying on top of the chest of drawers very slowly he withdrew his foot and tiptoed across the room he knew now what he would do he would take the compass and spin it and go round the world and they'd never find him again and it would serve them right without making a sound he lifted a chair and put it against the chest of drawers then he climbed up on it and took the compass in his hand he moved it north-south-east-west he said very quickly in case anybody should come in before he got well away a noise behind the chair startled him and he turned round guiltily expecting to see Mary Poppins but instead there were four gigantic figures bearing down upon him the bear with his fangs showing the Makah fist it's flapping his wings the Panda with his fur on end the dolphin thrusting out her snout from all quarters of the room they were rushing upon him their shadows huge on ceiling no longer kind and friendly they were now full of revenge they're terrible angry faces loomed nearer he could feel their hot breath on his face oh oh Michael thought the compass MARY POPPINS tell me he screamed it shut his eyes in terror and then something envelop him the great creatures are made greater shadows with a mingled raw or squawk of triumph flung themselves upon him what was it that held him soft and warm in its smothering embrace the polar bears fur coat the macaws feathers the panda's fur he had stroked so gently the mother dolphins flipper and what was he or it might be she planning to do to him if only he had been good if only Mary Poppins he wailed as he felt himself carried through the air and set down in something still softer oh dear Mary Poppins all right all right I'm not deaf I'm thankful to say no need to shout he heard her saying calmly he opened one eye he could see no sign of the four gigantic figures of the compass he opened the other eye to make sure no not a glint of any of them he sat up he looked round the room there was nothing there then he discovered that the soft thing that was round him was his own blanket and the soft thing he was lying on was his own bed no no the heavy burning thing that had been inside him all day melted and disappeared he felt peaceful and happy and as if he would like to give everybody he knew a birthday present what Oh what happened he said rather anxiously to Mary Poppins I told you that was my compass didn't I be kind enough not to touch my things if you please was all she said as she stooped and picked up the compass and put it in her pocket then she began to fold the clothes that he'd thrown down on the floor should I do it he said no thank you he watched to go into the next room and presently she returned and put something warm into his hands it was a cup of milk Michel sipped it tasting every drop several times with his tongue making it last as long as possible so that Mary Poppins should stay beside him she stood there without saying a word watching the milk slowly disappear he could smell her crackling white apron and the faint flavour of toast that always hung about her so deliciously but try as he would he could not make the milk last forever and presently with a sigh of regret he handed her the empty cup and slipped down into the bed he had never known it be so comfortable he thought and he thought to how warm he was and how happy he felt and how lucky he was to be alive isn't it a funny thing Mary Poppins he said tragedy I have been so very I feel very good said Mary Poppins as she tucked him in and went away to wash up the supper things chapter 7 the bird woman perhaps she won't be there said Michael yes sure bill said Jane she's always there forever and ever they were walking up gladiate Hill on the way to pay a visit to mr. banks in the city but he had said that morning to mrs. banks my dear if it doesn't rain I think Jane and Michael might call for me at the office stay that is if you are agreeable I have a feeling I should like to be taken to tea and short bread fingers and it's not often I have a treat and mrs. banks had said she would think about it but all day long the Jane and Michael had watched her anxiously she had not seemed to be thinking about it at all from the things she said she was thinking about the laundry bill and Michael's new overcoat and where was aren't Frost his address and why did that wretched mrs. Jackson ask her to tea on the second Thursday of the month when she knew that was the very day mrs. banks had to go to the dentists suddenly when they felt quite sure she would never think about mr. banks estreet she said now children don't stand staring at me like that get your things on you're going to the city to have tea with your father had you forgotten as if they could have forgotten for it was not as though it were only the tea that mattered there was also the bird woman and she herself was the best of all treats that is why they are walking up blood heat Hill and feeling very excited Mary Poppins walked between them wearing her new hat and looking very distinguished every now and then she would look into the shop window just to make sure the hat was still there and that the pink roses on it had not turned into common flowers like marigolds every time she stopped to make sure Jane and Michael would sigh but they did not dare say anything for fear she would spend even longer looking at herself in the windows and turning this way and that to see which attitude was the most becoming but at last they came to some Paul's Cathedral which was built a long time ago by a man with a bird's name when it was but he was no relation to Jenny that is why so many birds live near Sir Christopher Wren's Cathedral which also belongs to some poor and that is why the bird woman lives there too there she is cried Michael suddenly and he danced on his toes with excitement don't point said Mary Poppins giving the last glance at the pink roses in the window of a carpet shop she's saying it she's saying it cried Jane holding tight to herself a bish would break it too with delight and she was saying it the bird woman was there and she was saying it be the birds tuppence a bag feed the birds tuppence a bag be bird speed Birds bein tapped a bag over and over again the same thing in a high chanting voice that made the words seem like a song and as she said it she held out chill bags of bread crumbs to the passers-by all round her flew the birds circling and leaping and swooping and rising MARY POPPINS always called them sparrows because she said conceitedly all birds were alight to her but Jane and Michael knew that they were not sparrows but doves and pigeons there were fussy and chatty grade house like grandmothers and Brown rough moist pigeons like uncles and greeny cackling no I have no money today pigeons like fathers and the silly anxious soft blue doves were like mothers that's what Jane and Michael thought anyway they flew round and round the head of the bird woman as the children approached and men as though to tease her there's something you rushed away through the air and sat on the top of some pools laughing and turning their heads away and pretending they didn't know her it was Michaels turn to buy a bag Jane had bought one last time he walked up to the bird woman and held out for half pennies B the birds taverns the bag said the bird woman and she put a bag of crumbs into his hand and tucked the money away into the fault of a huge black skirt why don't you have Pennybags said Michael then I could buy to feed the birds chapman's the bag said the bird woman and Michael knew it was no good asking her any more questions he and Jane had often tried but all she could say and all she had ever been able to say was B the birds tuppence a bag just as a cuckoo could only say cuckoo no matter what questions you asked him Jane and Michael and Mary Poppins spread the crumbs in a circle on the ground and presently one by one at first and then in twos and threes the birds came down from San Paul's dainty David said Mary Poppins with a sniff as one bird picked up a crumb and dropped it again from its beak but the other birds swarmed upon the food pushing and scrambling and shouting at last there wasn't a crumb left for it is not really polite for a pigeon or a dove to leave any on the plate when they were quite certain that the meal was finished the birds rose with one grand fluttering movement and flew round the bird woman's head copying in their own language the words she said one of them sat on a hat and pretended he was a decoration for the crown and another of the mistook Mary Poppins his new hat for a rose garden and picked off a flower you spera cried Mary Poppins and shook her umbrella at him the pigeon very offended flew back to the bird woman and to pay out Mary Poppins stuck the rose in the ribbon of the bird woman's hat you ought to be in a pie that's way you ought to be said Mary Poppins to him very angrily then she called to Jane and Michael time to go she said and flung a parting glance of fury at the pigeon but he only laughed and flicked his tail and turned his back on her good bye said Michael to the bird woman be the birds she replied smiling goodbye said Jane taverns the Baig said the bird woman and waved her hand they left her then walking one on either side of Mary Poppins what happens when everybody goes away yeah Cass said Michael to Jane he knew quite well what happened but it was the proper thing to ask chain because the story was really hers so Jane told him and he added the bit she had forgotten at night when everybody goes to bed began Jane and the stars come out and it Michael yes and even if they don't all the birds come down from the top of st. Paul's and run very carefully all over the ground just to see there are no crumbs left and to tidy it up for the morning and when they have done that you've forgotten the baths oh yes they baths themselves and comb their wings with their claws and when they have done that they fly three times round the head of the bird horn and then they settle do they sit on her shoulders yes and on hat and on her basket with the bags in it yes and some on her knee then she smooths down the head feathers of each one in turn and tells it to be a good bird in the bird language yes and when they are all sleepy don't want to stay awake any longer she spread out her skirts as a mother hen spread out her wings and the birds go creep-creep-creep underneath and as soon as the last one is under she settles down over brooding noises and they sleep there till morning Michael side happily he loved the story and was never tired of hearing it and it's all quite true isn't it he said just as he always did know said mary poppins who always said no yes said Jane who always knew everything end of disc 2 disc 3 chapter 8 mrs. Kouri two pounds of sausages best pork said mary poppins and at once these were in a hurry the butcher who wore a large blue and white striped apron was a fat and friendly man he was also large and red and rather like one of his own sausages he leant upon his chopping block and gazed admiringly at Mary Poppins then he winked pleasantly at Jane and Michael in an airy we said to Mary Poppins well that's a pity I don't you dropped in for a bit of a chat we butchers you know like a bit of company and we don't often get the chance of talking to an ayah sent some young lady like you it he broke off suddenly he had caught sight of Mary Poppins his face the expression on it was awful and the butcher found himself wishing there was a trapdoor in the floor of his shop that would open and swallow him up oh well he said blushing even redder than usual if you're in an area of course two pounds did you say best port right sure arm and he hurriedly hooked out a long strip of the sausages that Worth's tuned across the shop he cut off a length about three quarters of a yard round it into a sort of garland and wrapped it up first in white and then in brown paper he pushed the passing across the chopping block erna next she said hopefully still blushing there will be known next said Mary Poppins with a haughty sniff and she took the sausages and turned the perambulate around very quickly and wheeled is out of the shop in such a way that the butcher knew he had mortally offended her but she glanced at the window as she went so that she could see how her new shoes looked reflected in it they were bright brown kid with two buttons very smart Jane and Michael trailed after her wondering when she would have come to the end of her shopping list but because of the look on her face not daring to asked her Mary Poppins gazed up and down the street as if deep in thought and then suddenly making her mind up she snapped fishmonger and turned the perambulator in at the sharp next the butcher's won Dover sole pound and a half of halibut planted pawns and a lobster said Mary Poppins talking so quickly that only somebody used to taking such orders could possibly have understood her the fishmonger unlike the butcher was a long thin man so thin that he seemed to have no front Tim but only two sides and he looked so sad that you felt he died had it just been weeping or was just going to Jane said that this was due to some secret sorrow that had haunted him since his youth and Michael thought that the fishmongers mother must have pet him entirely on bread and water when he was a baby and that he had never forgotten it no nothing else said the fishmonger hopelessly in a voice that suggested he was quite sure there wouldn't be not today said Mary Poppins the fishmonger shook his head sadly and did not look at all surprised he had known all along there would be nothing else sniffing gently he tied up the parcel and dropped it into the bramble ater bad weather he observed wiping his eye with his hand don't believe we're going to get any summer at all not the way ever did of course you don't look too blooming he said to Mary Poppins but there nobody does Mary Poppins tossed her head speak for yourself she said crossly and flounced to the door pushing the perambulator so fiercely that it bumped into a bag of oysters the idea Jane and Michael heard her say as she glanced down at her shoes not looking too blooming in her new Brown kid shoes with two buttons the eye dear that was what they heard her thinking outside on a pavement she paused looking at her list and ticking off what she had bought Michael stood first on one leg and then on the other MARY POPPINS are we never going home he said crossly MARY POPPINS turned and regarded him with something like disgust bat she said briefly is as it may be and Michael watching her fold up her list wished he had not spoken you can go home if you like she said haughtily we are going to buy the gingerbread Michael's face fell if only he had managed to say nothing he hadn't known that gingerbread was at the end of the list that's your way said Mary Poppins shortly pointing in the direction of Cherry Tree Lane if you don't get lost she had it as an afterthought oh no Mary Poppins please no I I didn't mean it really Oh Mary Poppins please cried Michael oh do let him come Mary Poppins said Jane I'll push the perambulator Rivonia or let him come Mary Poppins sniffed if it wasn't Friday she said darkly to Michael you'd go home in a twink in an absolute twink she moved onwards pushing John and Barbara Jane and Michael knew that she had relented and followed wondering what a twink was suddenly Jane noticed that they were going in the wrong direction but Mary Poppins I thought you said gingerbread this isn't the way to green Brown of Johnsons where we always get it she began and stopped because of Mary Poppins his face am i doing the shopping or you Mary Poppins inquired you said Jane in a very small voice oh really I thought it was the other way round said Mary Poppins with a scornful laugh she gave the parabola to a little twist with her hand and it turned a corner and drew up suddenly Jane and Michael stopping abruptly behind it found themselves outside the most curious shop they had ever seen it was very small and very dingy faded loops of colored paper hung in the windows and on the shelves were shabby little boxes of sherbet old licorice sticks and berry withered very hard apples on a stick there was a small dark doorway between the windows and this MARY POPPINS propelled the parabola to while Jane and Michael followed at her heels inside the shop they could dimly see the glass top to counter that ran round through sides of it and in a case under the glass were rows and rows of dark dry gingerbread each slab so studded with gilt stars that the shop itself seemed to be faintly lit by them Jane and Michael glanced round to find out what kind of a person was to serve them and was very surprised when Mary Poppins called out Fannie Annie where are you her voice seemed echo back to them from each dark wall of the shop and as she called two of the largest people the children had ever seen rose from behind the counter and shook hands with Mary Poppins the huge women then leant down over the counter and said howdy-do invoices as large as themselves and shook hands with Jane and Michael how do you do miss Michael paused wondering which of the large ladies was which fan use my name said one of them my rheumatism is about the same thank you for asking she spoke very mournfully as though she were unused to such a courteous greeting it's a lovely day began Jane politely to the other sister who kept Jane's hand imprisoned for almost a minute in a huge clasp i'm annie she informed them miserably and handsome is as handsome does Jane and Michael thought that both the sisters had a very odd way of expressing themselves but they had not time to be surprised for long for Miss fanny and miss Annie were reaching out their long arms to the perambulator each shook hands solemnly with one of the twins who was so astonished that they began to cry now what's this was this a high thin crackly little voice came from the back of the shop at the sound of it the expression on the faces of Miss Fanny and Miss Annie sad before became even sadder they seemed frightened and ill at ease and somehow Jane and Michael realized that the two huge sisters while wishing that they were much smaller and less conspicuous what's all this I hear cried the curious High little boys coming nearer and presently round the corner of the glass case the owner of it appeared she was as small as her boys and as factly and to the children she seemed to be older than anything in the world with her wispy hair at a stick like legs and her wizened wrinkled little face but in spite of this she ran towards them as lightly and as gaily as though she was still a young girl now now well I do declare miss me if it is Mary Poppins with John and Barbara banks what Jane and Michael too well isn't this a nice surprise for me I assure you I haven't been so surprised since Christopher Columbus discovered America truly I haven't she smiled delightedly she came to greet them and have feet made little dancing movements inside the tiny last excited boots she ran to the parabola Turan rocked it gently cooking her thin twisted old fingers at John and Barbara until they stopped crying and began to laugh that's better she said Kathleen gaily then she did a very odd thing she broke off two of her fingers and gave one each to John and Barbara and the oddest part of it was that in the space left by the broken of fingers two new ones grew at once Jane and Michael clearly saw it happen only barley sugar can't possibly Adam the old lady said to Mary Poppins anything you give them mrs. curry could only do them good said Mary Poppins with most surprising courtesy what a pity Michael couldn't have seen they weren't peppermint bars well they are sometimes said mrs. curry gleefully and very good they taste too I opened Neverland myself and I can't sleep at night spend it for the digestion what would they be next time asked Jane looking at mrs. Cory's fingers with interest AHA said mrs. Kouri that's just the question I never knew her from day to day what they will be I take the chance my dear as I heard William acongress say to his mother when she advised him not to go concrete England you must be very old said Jane sighing endlessly and wondering if she would ever be able to remember what mrs. Kouri remembered mrs. Kouri flung back her wispy little head and shrieked with laughter old she said why she couldn't compare to my grandmother now there's an old woman if you I still I go back a good way I remember the time when they were making this world anyway and I was well out of my teens then I could miss that was it to do I can tell you she broke off suddenly screwing up a little eyes at the children but giving me here I am running on and on and you not being served I suppose my dear she turned to Mary Poppins whom she appeared to know very well I suppose you've all come for some gingerbread that's right mrs. curry said Mary Poppins politely good man you know they've given you any she looked at Jane and Michael as she said this James shook her head to hushed voices came from behind the counter no mother said miss fanny Michi we were just doing to mother began Miss Annie in a frightened whisper at that mrs. Kouri drew herself up to her full height and regarded her gigantic daughters furiously then she said in a soft fierce terrifying voice just very interesting and who may I ask Annie give you permission to give away my gingerbread nobody you mother now they will eat its way I only sword you only thought that is very kind of you but I think I can do all the thinking but is necessary here said mrs. curry in her soft terrible voice then she burst into a harsh cackle of laughter cry-baby she shrieked pointing her naughty finger at her daughter Jane and Michael turned and saw a large tear coursing down miss a nice huge sad face but they did not like to say anything for in spite of her tiny nurse this is Corey made them be a rather small and frightened but as soon as mrs. Corey looked the other way Jane seized the opportunity to offer miss Annie her handkerchief the huge tear completely drenched it and Miss Annie with a grateful look wrung it out before she returned it to Jane and you fanny did you think - I wonder the high little voice was now directed at the other daughter who baba said miss fanny trembling huh just as well for you nope in that case with frightened fumbling fingers miss Fanny opened the glass case now my darlings said mrs. Corey in quite a different voice she smiled and beckoned so sweetly to Jane and Michael but they were ashamed of having been frightened of her and felt that she must be very nice after all why don't you come and take your pick my lambs it's a special recipe today why I gone from Alfred the Great he was a very good cook I remember that he did once burn the cakes how many Jana Michael looked at Mary Poppins for each she said that's twelve one dozen I'll make it a baker's dozen big 13 said mrs. Cory cheerfully so Jane and Michael chose 13 slabs of gingerbread each with its gilt paper star their arms were piled up with the delicious dark cakes Michael could not resist nibbling a corner of one of them good squeaked mrs. Kouri and when he nodded she picked up her skirts and did a few steps of the Highland Fling for pure pleasure and me yes did away she cried in a shrill little voice then she came to a standstill and her face grew serious but remember I'm not giving them away I must be played the price is a repens for each of you Mary Poppins opened her purse and took out three thrupenny bit's she gave one each to Jane and Michael now said mrs. curry stick about my coat that's where they all go they looked closely at a long black coat and sure enough they found it was studded with drop any bits as a Costas coat is with pearl buttons come along sticker mum repeated mrs. curry rubbing her hands with Pleasant expectation it'll find they won't drop off Mary Poppins step forward and pressed her up in a bit against the collar of mrs. Corey's coat to the surprise of Jane and Michael it's snap then they put theirs on James on the right shoulder and Michael's on the front hem they're stuck too how dare he extraordinary said Jane not at all my dear said mrs. curry chuckling or rather not so extraordinary as other things I could mention and she went largely at Mary Poppins I'm afraid we must be often how mrs. curry said Mary Poppins there is baked custard for lunch and I must be home in time to make it that mrs. brill a poor cook inquired mrs. curry interrupting poor said Mary Poppins contemptuously that's not the word ah mrs. Kouri put her finger alongside her nose and looked very wise then she said well my dear Miss Poppins it has been a very pleasant visit and I'm sure my girls have enjoyed it as much as I have she nodded in the direction of her two large mournful daughters and you'll come again soon won't you with Jane and Michael and the babies now are you sure you can carry the ginger bread she continued turning to Michael and Jane they nodded mrs. curry drew closer to them with a curious important inquisitive look on her face I wonder she said dreamily what you will do with the paper stars Oh we'll keep them said Jane we always do aha you'll keep them and I wonder where you'll keep them mrs. Carr his eyes were half closed and she looked more inquisitive than ever well Jane began mine are all under my handkerchiefs in the top left-hand drawer and miner in a shoebox on the bottom shelf of the Wardrobe said Michael top left-hand drawer and shoe box in the wardrobe said mrs. cry thoughtfully as though she were committing the words to memory then she gave Mary Poppins a long look and nodded her head slightly Mary Poppins nodded slightly in return it seemed as if some secret apart between them well said mrs. Kouri brightly that is very interesting you don't know how glad I am to know you keep your stars I shall remember that you see I remember everything even what guidebooks had for dinner every second Sunday mrs. chorus voice seemed to be growing fainter and fading away and presently without being quite aware of what had happened Jane and Michael found themselves on the pavement walking behind Mary Poppins who was again examining her list they turned and looked behind them why Jane said Michael was surprised it's not there so I see said Jane staring and stare and they were right the shop was not there it had entirely disappeared how God said shame isn't it said Michael but the gingerbread is buried God and they were so busy biting their gingerbread in two different shapes a man a flower a teapot that they quite forgot how very odd it was they remembered it again that night however when the lights were out and they were both supposed to be sound asleep Jane Jane whispered Michael I understand it's Jane from her bed for she too had heard the footsteps presently the door opened with a little click and somebody came into the home it was Mary Poppins dressed in hat and coat all ready to go out she moved about the room softly with quick secret movements Jane and Michael watched her through half-closed eyes without staring first she went to the chest of drawers opened a tour and shuddered again after a moment then on tiptoe she went to the Wardrobe opened it bent down and put something in or took something out they couldn't tell which snap the Wardrobe laws chat quickly and Mary Poppins hurried from the room Michael set up in bed what was she doing he said to Jane in a loud whisper I don't know perhaps she's forgotten that gloves or have shoes on Jane broke off suddenly Michael he listened from down below in the garden it seemed they could hear several voices whispering together very earnestly and excitedly with a quick movement Jane got out of bed and beckoned Michael there crept on bare feet to the window and looked down there outside in the lane stood a tiny form and two gigantic figures this is Connie and Miss penny and Miss Honey said Jane in a whisper and so indeed it was it was a curious group mrs. curry was looking through the bars of the gate of number seventeen Miss Fanny had two long ladders balanced on one huge shoulder while Miss Annie appeared to be carrying in one hand a large pail of something that looked like glue and in the other an enormous paintbrush from they stood hidden by the curtain Jane and Michael could distinctly hear their voices she's Nate mrs. Kouri was saying crossly and anxiously perhaps miss Fanny began timidly settling the ladders more firmly on her shoulder one of the children is ill and she couldn't get away in time said Miss Annie nervously completing a sister sentence silence said miss quarry fiercely and Jade and Michael distinctly heard her whisper something about Victor lumping giraffes and they knew she was referring to her unfortunate daughters just said mrs. quarry suddenly listening with her head on one side like a small bird there was the sound of the front door being quietly opened and shut again and the creak of footsteps on the path mrs. quarry smiled and waved her hand as Mary Poppins came to meet them carrying a market basket on her arm and in the basket was something that seemed to give out a faint mysterious light come along come along we must hurry we have much time said mrs. quarry taking Mary Poppins by the arm look lively you do and she moved off followed by Miss Fanny and Miss Annie who were obviously trying to look as lively as possible but not succeeding very well they tramped heavily after their mother and mary poppins bending under their loads Jane and Michael saw all four of them go down Cherry Tree Hill and then they turned a little to the left and went up the hill when they got to the top of the hill where there were no houses but only grass and clover they stopped Miss Annie put down her pail of glue and Miss Fanny swung the ladders from her shoulder and steadied them until both stood in an upright position then she held one and Miss Annie the other the big going to do set Michael gaping but there was no need for Jane to reply for he could see for himself what was happening as soon as Miss Fanny and Miss Annie had so fixed the ladders that they seemed to be standing with one hand on the earth and the other leaning on the sky mrs. Kouri picked up her skirts and the paintbrush in one hand and the pail of blue in the other then she set her foot on the lowest rung of one of the ladders and began to climb it Mary Poppins carrying her basket climbed the other then Jane and Michael saw a most amazed insight as soon as she arrived at the top of her ladder mrs. curry dipped her brush into the glue and began slapping the sticky substance against the sky and MARY POPPINS when this had been done took something shiny from her basket and fixed it to the glue when she took her hand away they saw that she was sticking the gingerbread stars to the sky as each one was placed in position it began to twinkle furiously sending out rays of sparkling golden light they're ours said Michel breathlessly there are stars she thought we were asleep and came in took them but Jane was silent she was watching mrs. Paris splashing the glue on the sky and Mary Poppins sticking on the Stars and Miss Fanny and Miss Annie moving the lattice to a new position as the spaces in the sky became filled up at last it was over Mary Poppins shook out her basket and showed mrs. quarry that there was nothing left in it then they came down from the ladders and the procession started down the hill again miss Fanny shouldering the ladders miss Annie jangling her empty blue pail at the corner they stood talking for a moment then mary poppins shook hands with them all and hurried up the lane again mrs. Kouri dancing lightly in her elastic-sided boots and holding her skirts daintily with her hands disappeared in the other direction with her huge daughters stumping noisily behind her the garden gate clicked footsteps creaked on the path the front door opened and shut with a soft clanging sound presently they heard Mary Poppins come quietly on the stairs tiptoe past the nursery and go on into the room where she slept with John and Barbara as the sound of her footsteps died away Jane and Michael looked at each other then without a word they went together to the top left-hand door and looked there was nothing there but a pile of Jane's handkerchiefs I told you so said Michael next they went to the Wardrobe and looked into the shoebox it was empty but how but why said Michael sitting down on the edge of his bed and staring at Jane Jane said nothing she just beside him with her arms round her knees and thought and thought and thought at last she shook back her hair and stretched herself and stood up what I want to know she said is this are the stars gold paper or is the gold paper stars there was no reply to her question and she did not expect one she knew that only somebody very much wiser than Michael could give her the right answer chapter 9 John and Barbara's story Jane and Michael had gone off to a party wearing their best clothes and looking as Ellen the housemaid said when she saw them just like a shop window all the afternoon the house was very quiet and still as though it were thinking its own thoughts or dreaming perhaps down in the kitchen mrs. brill was reading the paper with her spectacles perched on her nose what boots and I was sitting in the garden busily doing nothing mrs. banks was on the drawing-room sofa with our feet up and the house stood very quietly around them all dreaming its own dreams or thinking perhaps upstairs in the nursery Mary Poppins was airing with clothes by the fire and the sunlight poured in at the window flickering on the white walls dancing over the cots where the babies were lying I say move over you're right in my eyes said John in a loud voice sorry said the sunlight but I can't help it I've got to get this from somehow orders his orders I must know from east west in a day and my way lies through this nursery sorry shut your eyes and you won't notice me the gold shaft of sunlight lengthened across the room it was obviously moving as quickly as it could in order to oblige John how soft how sweet wha I love you said Barbara holding out her hands too shining warmth good girl said the sunlight approvingly and moved up over her cheeks and into her hair with a light caressing movement do you like the feel of me it said as though it loved being praised delicious said Barbara with a happy sigh she chanted chatter I never heard such a place for chatter there's always somebody talking in this room said a shrill voice at the window John and Barbara looked up it was the Starling who lived on the top of the chimney I like that said Mary Poppins turning around quickly what about yourself all day long yes and half the night too on the roofs and telegraph poles roaring and screaming and shouting you talk that leg of a chair you would worse than any Sparrow and that's the truth the Starling cocked its head on one side and looked down at her from his perch on the window frame well he said I have my business to attend to consultations discussions arguments balcony and that of course necessitates a certain amount of quiet conversation come on yet exclaimed John laughing heartily and I wasn't talking to you young man said the Starling hopping down onto the windowsill and you needn't talk anyway I heard you for several hours on end last Saturday we goodness up oh you'd never stop you get me awake all night I wasn't talking said John I was he paused I mean I had a pain come said the styling and hopped onto the railing of Barbara's cot he sidled along it until he came to the head of the cot then he said in a soft wheedling voice well Barbara be anything for the old fella today eh Barbara pulled herself into a sitting position by holding onto one of the bars of her cot there's the other half of my arrow biscuit she said and held it out in her round fat fists the Starling swooped down plucked it out of her hand and flew back to the windowsill he began nibbling it greedily thank you said Mary Poppins meaningly but the Starling was too busy eating to notice through buek I said thank you said Mary Poppins a little louder the Starling looked up Hey what Oh get along go get along and no time for such and furbelows and he gobbled up the last of his biscuit the room was very quiet John drowsing in the sunlight put the toes of his right foot into his mouth and ran them along the place where his teeth were just beginning to come through why did you bothered to do that said Barbara in her soft amused voice that seemed always to be full of laughter there's nobody to see you I know said John playing a tune on his toes but I like to keep in practice it does so amuse of grown-ups did you notice he nearly went mad with the light when I did it yesterday the marble the creature didn't you hear her saying all that and John threw his foot from him and roared with laughter as he thought of aunt Flossie she likes my treat - said Barbara complacently I took off both my socks and she said how sooo sweet she would like to eat me isn't it funny when I say I'd like to eat something I really mean it biscuits and rusks and lots of beds and so on but grown-ups never mean what they said she couldn't really wanted to eat me cookie no it's only the easy way they have of talking said John I don't believe I'll ever understand grown-ups they all seem so stupid and even Jane and Michael Stroup's sometimes hmm agreed Barbara thoughtfully pulling off her socks and putting them on again for instance German tone they don't understand a single thing we say but worse than that they don't understand what other things say what only ask Monday I heard Jane remark but she was she knew what language the wind spoke I know said Barbara it's a siphon and Michael always insists how do you heard him that the Starling says he seems not to know darling says nothing of the kind but speaks exactly the same language as we do of course one doesn't expect mother and father to know about it they don't know anything though they are such darlings but you think Jane Michaels they did once said Mary Poppins folding up one of James nightgown what said John and Barbara together in very surprised voices really you mean they understood the sky and the wind and and what the trees say and the language of the sunlight and the Stars of course they did once said Mary Poppins but how is it they've forgotten it all said John wrinkling up his forehead and trying to understand ah said the styling knowingly looking up from the remains of his biscuit well you like to know because they've grown older explained Mary Poppins Barbara put your socks on at once please as a silly reason said John looking sternly at her it's the true we're men Mary Poppins said time barber socks firmly around her ankles well it's Jane and Michael who is silly John continued I know I shan't forget when I get older nor I said Barbara contentedly sucking her finger yes you will said Mary Poppins firmly the twin set up and looked at her ah said the starting contemptuously look em think they're the world's wonders little miracles I don't think of course you'll forget say Miss Jane and Michael we won't said the twins looking at the styling as if they would like to murder him the Starling jeered I say you will he insisted it isn't your fault of course he added more kindly you'll forget because you just can't help it there never was a human being that remembered after the age of one at the very latest except of course her and he jerked his head over his shoulder at Mary Poppins but why can she remember him not us said John now she's different she's a great exception can't go by her said the Starling grinning at them both John and Barbara was silent the Starling went on explaining she's something special you see not in the matter of looks of course one of my own day old chicks is handsome other Mary Piero was here you impertinence said Mary Poppins crossly making a dart at him and flicking her apron in his direction but the Starling left aside and flew up to the window frame whistling wickedly well out of reach though he had me that time didn't you you did and shook his wing feathers at her Mary Poppins snorted the sunlight moved on through the room drawing its long Gold shaft after it outside a light winded sprung up and was whispering gently to the cherry trees in the lane listen listen the wind's talking said John tilting his head on one side do you really mean we won't be able to hear that when we're older Mary Poppins you're here alright said Mary Poppins but you won't understand at that Barbara began to weep gently there were tears in John's eyes too what it can't be helped it's how things happen said Mary Poppins sensibly look at him just look at him Judas darling crying fit to kill themselves while snarling in the ends got more sense look at them for John and Barbara were now crying piteously in their cots long-drawn sobs of deep unhappiness suddenly the door opened and in came mrs. banks I thought I heard the babies she said then she ran to the twins what is it my darlings oh my treasures my sweet smile of paths what is it why are they crying so Mary Poppins they've been so quiet all the afternoon not a sound out of them what can be a matter yes ma'am no ma'am I expect they're getting their teeth ma'am said Mary Poppins deliberately not looking in the direction of the Starling o course that must be it said mrs. banks brightly I don't want teeth if they made me forget all the things I like best well John tossing about in his cot nice and you I wept Barbara burying her face in her pillow my poor ones my pets it will be all right when the naughty old teeth come through said mrs. banks soothingly going for one cot to the other you don't understand Lord John furiously I don't want teeth this won't be all right wailed Barbara to her pillow yes yes their mother knows mother understands it will be all right when the teeth come through crooned mrs. banks tenderly a faint noise came from the window it was the Stalin hurriedly swallowing a laugh Mary Poppins gave him one look that sobered him and he continued to regard the scene without the hint of a smile mrs. banks was patting her children gently first one and then the other and murmuring words that were meant to be reassuring suddenly John stopped crying he had very good manners and he was fond of his mother and remembered what was due to her it was not her fault poor woman that she always said the wrong thing it was just he reflected that she did not understand so to show that he forgave her he turned over on his back and very doleful he sniffing back his tears he picked up his right foot in both hands and ran his toes along his open mouth clever wallow clever one said his mother admiringly he did it again and she was very pleased then Barbara not to be outdone in courtesy came out of her pillow and with her tears still wet on her face sat up and plucked off both her socks wonderful girl said mrs. banks proudly and kissed her there you see Mary Poppins they're quite good again I can always come back them quite good quite good said mrs. banks as though she was singing a lullaby and the teeth will soon be through yes said Mary Poppins quietly and smiling to the twins mrs. banks went out and close the door the moment she had disappeared the Starling burst into a peal of rude laughter excuse me smiling he cried but really I can't help it what is seen what a scene John took no notice of him he pushed his face through the bars of his cot and called softly and fiercely to Barbara I won't be like the others I tell you I won't they he jerked his head towards the styling and Mary Poppins they can see what they like never forget never Mary Poppins smiled a secret I know better the new sort of smile all to herself your I answered Barbara ever bless my tail feathers listen to him treat the Starling as he put his wings on his hips and ward with mirth as if they could out forgetting why in a month or two three the most they won't even know what my name is silly cuckoos silly our Frome feathers and with another loud peal of laughter he spread his speckled wings and flew out of the window it was not very long afterwards that the teeth after much trouble came through was all teeth mast and the Twins had their first birthday the day after the birthday party the Starling who had been away on holiday at Bournemouth came back to number 17 Cherry Tree Lane hello here we are again he screamed joyfully landing with a little wobble upon the windowsill when I was a girl he inquired chiefly of Mary Poppins cocking his little head on one side and regarding her with bright amused twinkling eyes man the better for your asking said Mary Poppins tossing her head the Starling laughed same old merry P he said no change over you know the other ones the Cuckoo's he asked and looked across at Barbara Scott well Barbarina he began in a soft middling voice anything for the old fella today said Barbara crooning gently as she continued to eat her arrowroot biscuit the Starling with a start of surprise hopped a little nearer I said he repeated more distinctly is there anything for the old fella today Barbra dear murmured Barbara gazing up at the ceiling she swallowed the last sweet crumb Starling stared at her he said suddenly and turned and looked inquiringly at Mary Poppins her quiet glance met he is in a long look then with a darting movement the Starling flew over to John's cot and alighted on the rail John had a large woolly lamb hugged close in his arms what's my name what's my name what's my name cried the Starling in a shrill anxious voice no one said John opening his mouth and putting the leg of the woolly lamb into it with a little shake of the head the Starling turned away so it's happened he said quietly to Mary Poppins she nodded the styling gaze dejectedly for a moment at the twins then he shrugged his speckled shoulders oh well I knew it would always told him so but they want you remain silent for a little while staring into the COTS then he shook himself vigorously well I must be off back to my chimney you'll need a spring tune I'll be bound he flew onto the windowsill and paused looking back over his shoulder no seemed funny without them though always liked talking to them sorry I shall miss him he brushed his wing quickly across his eyes crying jeered MARY POPPINS styling threw himself up crying sadly no I am best like cold cause I'm an attorney that's all yes the sight cold nothing serious he darted up to the windowpane brushed down his breast feathers with his beak and then cheerio you said purpley and spread his wings and was gone chapter 10 full moon all day long MARY POPPINS had been in a hurry and when she was in hurry she was always cross everything Jane did was bad everything Michael did was worse she even snapped at the twins Jayden Michael kept out of a way as much as possible but they knew that there were times when it was better not to be seen or heard by Mary Poppins I wish we were invisible said Michael when Mary Poppins had told him that the very sight of him was more than any self-respecting person could be expected to stand we shall be said Jane if we go behind the sofa we can count the money in our money boxes and she may be better after she's had her supper so they did that sixpence and four pennies that's tendons and a hip knee and a snuggly bit said Jane counting up quickly four pennies and three farthings and and that's all side Michael putting his money in the little heap Bethell do nicely for the poor box said mary poppins looking over the arm of the sofa and sniffing oh no said Michael reproachfully it's for myself I'm saving her for one of those airplanes I suppose said Mary Poppins scornfully no for an elephant a private one for myself like Lizzie at the zoo I could take you've arrived then said Michael Kraft looking and not looking at her to see how she would take it sue said mary poppins what an idea but they could see she was not quite so cross as before I wonder said Michael thoughtfully what happens in the zoo at night when everybody's gone home care killed a cat snapped Mary Poppins I wasn't caring I was only wondering corrected Michael do you know he inquired of Mary Poppins who was whisking the crumbs off the table in double-quick time one more question from you and spit-spot to bed you go she said and began to tidy the nursery so busily that she looked more like a whirlwind in a cap and apron than a human being it's no good asking her she knows everything but she never tells said Jane what's the good of knowing if you don't tell anyone grumbled Michael but he said it under his breath so that Mary Poppins couldn't hear Jane and Michael could never remember having been put to bed so quickly as they were that night Mary Poppins blew out the light very early and went away as hurriedly as though all the winds of the world were blowing behind her it seemed to them that they had been there no time however when they heard a low voice whispering at the door hurry Jane and Michael said the voice get some things on and hurry they jumped out of their bed surprised and sparkled come on so Jane something's happening and she began to rummage for some clothes in the darkness Harry called the voice again oh dear all I can find is my sailor hat and a pair of gloves said Michael running around the room pulling at drawers and feeding along shelves those will do put them on it isn't cold come on Jane herself had only been able to find a little coat of John's but she squeezed her arms into it and opened the door there was nobody there but they seemed to hear something hurrying away down the stairs Jane and Michael followed whatever it was or whoever it was kept continually in front of them they never saw it but they have a distinct sensation of being led on and on by something that constantly beckoned them to follow presently they were in the lane their slippers making a soft hissing noise on the pavement as they scurried along hurry ouch the voice again from a nearby corner but when they turned it they could still see nothing they began to run hand in hand following the voice down streets through alleyways under arches and across parks until panting and breathless they were brought to a standstill beside a large turnstile in a wall here you are said the boys we're called Michael to it but there was no reply Jane moved towards the turns down dragging Michael by the hand look she said don't you see where we are it's the zoo a very bright full moon was shining in the sky and by its light Michael examined the iron grating and look through the bars of course how silly of him not to have known it was the zoo but how should we get in he said with no money that's all right said a deep gruff voice from within special visitors allowed in free tonight pushed the wheel please Jane and Michael pushed and were through the turnstile in a second here's or ticket the gruff boys said and looking up they found that it came from a huge brown bear who was wearing a coat with brass buttons and a peaked cap on his head in his poor were two pink tickets which he held out to the children but we usually give ticket said Jane usual is as usual does tonight you receive them said the bear smiling Michael had been regarding him closely I remember you he said to the bear I once gave you a tin of golden syrup you did said the bear and you forgot to take the lid off do you know I was more than ten days working at that lit be more careful in the future but why aren't you in your cage are you always out at night said Michael no only when the birthday falls on a full moon but you must excuse me I must attend to the gate and the bear turned away and began to spin the handle of the turnstile again Jane and Michael holding their tickets walked on into the zoo grounds in the light of the full moon every tree and flower and shrub was visible and they could see the houses in cages quite clearly this seems to be a lot going on himself Michael and indeed there was animals were running about in all the paths sometimes accompanied by birds and sometimes alone two wolves ran past the children talking eagerly to a very tall stork who was tiptoeing between them with dainty delicate movements Jayden Michael distinctly caught the words birthday and full moon as they went by in the distance three camels were strolling along side by side and not far away a beaver and an American vulture with deep in conversation and they all seemed to the children to be discussing the same subject whose birthday is it I wonder said Michael but Jane was moving ahead gazing at a curious sight just by the elephant stand a very large very fat old gentleman was walking up and down on all fours and on his back on two small parallel seats were eight monkeys going for a ride why it's all upside down exclaimed Jane the old gentleman gave her an angry look as he went past he snorted me down sadly not great insult the eight monkeys laughed rudely oh please I didn't mean you but the whole thing explained Jane hurrying after him to apologize on ordinary days the animals carry human beings and now there's a human being carrying the animals that's what I meant but the old gentleman shuffling and panting insisted that she had been insulted and hurried away with a monkeys screaming on his back Jane saw it was no good following him so she took Michaels hand and moved onwards they were startled when a voice almost at their feet hailed them come on you two hey you come let's see you dive for a bit of orange peel you don't want it was a bitter angry voice and looking down they saw that it came from a small black seal who was leering at them from a moonlit pool of water come on now and see how you like it he said but but we can't swim said Michael can't that said the seal you should have thought of that before nobody ever bothers to find out whether I hey what was that he spoke the last question to another seal who would emerge from the water and was whispering in his ear who said the first seal speak up the second seal whispered again Jane caught the words special visitors Friends of and then no more the first seal seemed disappointed but he said politely enough to Jane and Michael Oh beg pardon pleased to meet you beg pardon and he held out his flipper and shook hands limply with them both look where you're going can't you he shouted as something bumped into Jane she turned quickly and gave a little frightened start as she beheld an enormous lion the eyes of the lion brightened as he saw her oh I say he began I didn't know was you this place is so crowded tonight and I'm in such a hurry to see the humans fed I'm afraid I didn't look where I was going coming along you oughtn't to miss it you know perhaps a Jane politely you show us the way she was a little uncertain of the lion but he seemed kindly enough and after all she thought everything is topsy-turvy tonight dear lighted said the lion in rather a mincing voice and he offered her his arm she took it but to be on the safe side she kept Michael beside her he was such a round fat little boy and after all she thought lions are Lions does my Mane look nice asked the lion as they moved off I had it curled for the occasion Jane looked at it she could see that it had been carefully oiled and combed into winglets Barry she said but isn't it rather odd for a lion to care about such things I thought what my dear young lady the lion as you know is the king of the beasts he has to remember his position now personally I'm not likely to forget it I believe a lion should always look his best no matter where he is this man and with a graceful wave of his forepaw he pointed towards the big cat house and ushered them in at the entrance Jane and Michael caught their breaths at the sight that met their eyes the Great Hall was thronged with animals some were leaning over the long bar that separated them from the cages some was standing on the seats that rose in tears opposite there were Panthers and leopards wolves Tigers and antelopes monkeys and hedgehogs wombats mountain goats and giraffes and an enormous group composed entirely of kittiwakes and vultures splendid isn't it said the lion proudly just like the dear old jungle days but come along we must get good places and he pushed his way through the crowd crying gangway gangway and dragging Jane and Michael after him presently through a little clearing in the middle of the hall they were able to get a glimpse at the cages why said Michael opening his mouth very wide they're full of human beings and they were in one cage too large middle-aged gentlemen and top hats and striped trousers were prowling up and down anxiously gazing through the bars as though they were waiting for something children of all shapes and sizes from babies and long clothes upwards were scrambling about in another cage the animals outside regarded these with great interest and some of them tried to make the babies laugh by thrusting their paws or their tails in through the bars a giraffe stretched his long neck out over the heads of the other animals and let a little boy in a sailor suit tickle its nose in a third cage three elderly ladies in raincoats and galoshes were imprisoned one of them was knitting but the other two was standing near the bars shouting at the animals and poking at them with their umbrellas nasty brutes go away I want my tea screamed one of them is she funny said several of the animals and they laughed loudly at her Jane look said Michael points into the page at the end of the row isn't that add more bomb said Jane looking very surprised and Admiral boom it was he was ramping up and down in his cage coughing and blowing his nose and spluttering with rage blast Nick is at All Hands the pump land ho heave away their bluff me gizzard shouted the Admiral every time he came near the bars a tiger prodded him gently with a stick and this made Admiral boom swear dreadfully but how did they all get in there Jane asked the lion lost said the lion or rather left behind these are the people who doubled and been left inside when the gates were shut got to put him somewhere so he keep him here he's dangerous that one there nearly did for his keeper not long ago don't go near him and he pointed at Admiral boom stand back please stand back don't crash make way please Jane and Michael could hear several voices crying these words loudly aha now they're going to be fed said the lion excitedly pressing forward into the crowd here come the keepers four brown bears each wearing a peaked cap with trundling trolleys of food along the little corridor that separated the animals from the cages stand back there they said whenever an animal got in the way then they opened a small door in each cage and thrust the food through on prompt forks Jane and Michael had a good view of what was happening through a gap between a panther and a dingo bottles of milk were being thrown into the babies who made soft little grabs of their hands and clutched them greedily the older children snatched sponge cakes and doughnuts from the forks and began to eat ravenously plates of thin bread and butter and wholemeal scones were provided for the ladies in galoshes and the gentlemen and top hats had lamb cutlets and custard in glasses these as they received their food took it away into a corner spread handkerchiefs over their striped trousers and began to eat presently as the keepers passed down the line of cages a great commotion was her laughs my vitals call that a meal a skimpy little round of people to come at cabbages what no Yorkshire pudding up with the anger and where's my port port I say here burrower below there where's the Admirals port listen to him he's turned nasty I tell you he's not safe that one said the lion Jane and Michael did not need to be told whom he meant they knew Admiral booms language - well well said the lion as the noise in the hall grew less uproarious that appears to be the end and I'm afraid if you'll excuse me I must be getting along see you later the Grand chain I hope my lookout for you and leading them to the door he took his leave of them sideling away swinging his curled mane his golden body dappled with moonlight and shadow well please Jane cooled off him but he was out of hearing I wanted to ask him if they'd ever get out the poor humans why it might have been John and Barbara or any of us she turned to Michael but found that he was no longer by her side he had moved away along one of the paths and running after him she found him talking to a penguin who was standing in the middle of the path with a large copy book under one wing and an enormous pencil under the other he was biting the end of it thoughtfully as she approached I can't think she heard Michael saying apparently an answer to a question the penguin turned to Jane Babs you can tell me he said now what rhymes with Mary I can't use contrary because that has been done before and one must be original if you're going to say fairy don't I thought that already but as it's got a bit like her it won't do Harry said Michael brightly not poetic enough observe the penguin what about where he said Jane well the penguin appeared to be considering it it's not very good is it you said forlornly I'm afraid I'll have to give it up you see I was trying to write a poem for the birthday I thought it would be so nice if I began Oh Mary Mary and then I couldn't get any further it's very annoying they expect something learn it from a penguin and I don't want to disappoint them well well you mustn't keep me I must get on with it and with that he hurried away biting his pencil and bending over his copybook this is all very confusing said Jane whose birthday is it I wonder now come along you too come along you want to pay your respects I suppose it'd be the birthday and all said a voice behind them and turning they saw the brown bear who had given them netiquette sat the gate oh of course said Jane thinking that that was the safest thing to say but not knowing in the least whom they were to pay their respects to the brown bear put an arm around each of them and propelled them along the path they could feel his warm soft fur brushing against their bodies and hear the rumblings his voice made in his stomach as he talked here we are here we are said the brown bear stopping before a small house whose windows were also brightly lit that if it hadn't been a moonlit night you would have thought the sun was shining the bear opened the door and gently pushed the two children through it the light dazzled them at first but their eyes soon became accustomed to it and they saw that they were in a snake house all the cages were open and the snakes were out some curled lazily into great scaly knots others slipping gently about the floor and in the middle of the snakes on a log that had evidently been brought from one of the cages sat Mary Poppins Jane and Michael could hardly believe their eyes couple of birthday guests mom announced the brown bear respectfully the snakes turned their heads inquiringly towards the children Mary Poppins did not move but she spoke and where's your overcoat may I ask she demanded looking crossly without surprise Michael and your hat and gloves she snapped turning to Jane but before either of them had time to reply there was a star in the snake house the snakes with a soft hissing sound were rising up on end and bowing to something behind Jane and Michael the brown bear took off his peaked cap and slowly MARY POPPINS to stood up My dear child my very dear child said a small delicate hissing voice and out from the largest of the cages they came with slow soft winding movements a hammer triad he slid in graceful curves past the bowing snakes and the brown bear towards Mary Poppins and when he reached her he raised the front half of his long golden body and thrusting upwards his scaly golden hood daintily kissed her first on one cheek and then on the other he hissed softly this very blessed indeed it is long since your birthday pal on a full moon my dear he turned his head be seated friends he said bowing graciously to the other snakes who at that word slid reverently to the floor again coiled themselves up and gazed steadily at the hammer Dryad and mary poppins the hammer dad turned them to Jane and Michael and with a little shiver they saw that his face was smaller and more wizened than anything they had ever seen they took a step forward faced curious deep eyes seemed to draw them towards him long and narrow they were with a dark sleepy look in them and in the middle of that dark sleepiness a wakeful light like a jewel and who may I ask she said in his soft terrifying voice looking at the children inquiringly Miss Jane thanks and Martha Michael thanks that's your service said the brown bear gruffly as though he were half afraid her friends ah pray be seated Jane and Michael feeling somehow that they were in the presence of a king as they had not felt when they met the lion with difficulty drew their eyes from that compelling gaze and looked round for something to sit on the brown bear provided this by squatting down himself and offering them each a Farini James said in a whisper he talks as though he were a great lord he is he's the lord of our world the wisest and most terrible of us all said the brown bear softly and reverently the hammered rad smiled a long slow secret smile and turned to Mary Poppins he began gently hissing if she really is cuss whispered Michael best cousin once removed on the mother's side returned the brown bear whispering the information behind his paw but listen now he's going to give the birthday present repeated the hammer drat it is long since your birthday said on the full moon and long since we have been able to celebrate the event as we celebrated I have therefore had time to give the question of your birthday present some consideration and I have decide did he pause and there was no sound in the snake house but the sound of many creatures all holding their breath but I cannot talk better and give you one of my own skin indeed cousin it is too kind of you began Mary Poppins but the hammer Dryad held up his hood for silence not at all not at all you know that I changed my skin from time to time and that was more or less means little to me have I not he paused and looked round him the lord of the jungle hissed all the snakes in unison as though the question and the answer were part of a well-known ceremony the hammer Draya had nodded so what seems good to me was seemed so to you it is small enough gift dear Mary but it may serve a belt or a pair of shoes even hatband these things always come in useful you know and with that he began to sway gently from side to side and it seemed to Jane and Michael as they watched that little waves were running up his body from the tail to the head suddenly he gave a long twisting corkscrew leap and his golden outer skin lay on the floor and in its place he was wearing a new coat of shining silver weights said the hammer Triad has mary poppins bent to pick up the skin I will write a greeting and he ran his tail very quickly along his throne skin deftly bent the golden sheath into a circle and diving his head through this as though it were a crown offered it graciously to Mary Poppins she took it bowing I just can't thank you enough she began and paused she was evidently very pleased for she kept running the skin backwards and forwards through her fingers and looking at it admiring Lee don't try he said the hammer drat he went on and spread out his hood as though he were listening with it do I not hear the signal for the grand chain everybody listened a bell was ringing and a deep gruff voice could be heard coming nearer and nearer crying out Grand chain Grand chain everybody to the Center for the Grand chain and finale come along come along stand ready but a grand chain I thought so said the hammer tried smiling you must be off my dear they'll be waiting for you to take your place in farewell to your next birthday and he raised himself as he had done before and lightly saluted Mary Poppins on both cheeks hurry away said the hammer dad I will take care of your young friends Jane and Michael felt the brown bear moving under them as they stood up past their feet they could feel all the snakes slipping and riding as they hurried from the snake house Mary Poppins bowed towards the hammer dragged very ceremoniously and without a backward glance that the children went running towards the huge green square in the center of the zoo you may leave said the hammer drag to the brown there who after bowing humbly ran off with his cap in his hand to where all the other animals were congregating around Mary Poppins will you go it's me said the hammer dragged kindly to Jane and Michael and without waiting for them to reply he slid between them and with the movement of his hood directed them to walk one on either side of him it has begun he said hissing with pleasure and from the loud cries that were now coming from the green the children could guess that he meant the grand chain as they drew nearer they could hear the animals singing and shouting and presently they saw leopards and lions beavers camels bears cranes antelopes and many others all forming themselves into a ring round Mary Poppins then the animals began to move wildly crying their jungle songs prancing in and out of the ring and exchanging hand and wing as they went as dancers do in the Grand chain of the Lancers a little piping voice rose high above the rest Oh baby baby she's my dearie she's my Dario and they saw the penguin come dancing by waving his short wings and singing lustily he caught sight of them bow to the hammer dragged and called out I got it did you hear me singing it it's not perfect of course Theory does not rhyme exactly with Mary but it'll do it'll do and he's skipped off and offered his wing to a leopard Jane and Michael watched the dance the hammer dryads secretin still between them as their friend the lion dancing past bent down to take the wing of a Brazilian pheasant in his paw Jane's shyly tried to put her feelings into words I thought sir she began and stopped bidding confused and not sure whether she ought to say it or not peek my child said the hammer dragged your thoughts well but lions and burdened tigers and little animals the hammered riot helped her you thought that they were natural enemies but the lion could not meet a bird without eating it nor the tiger the hair a Jane blushed and nodded you may be right it is a probable but not under birthday said the hammer Dryad tonight the small are free from the grapes and the grapes protect small even I he paused and seemed to be thinking deeply even I can meet a barnacle ghosts without any thought of dinner on second and after all he went on flicking his terrible little forked tongue in and out as he spoke it may be that to eat and we eaten are the same thing in the end my wisdom tells me that this is probably so we are all made of the same stuff remember we of the jungle you are the city the same substance composes the tree overhead the stone beneath us the bird the Beast the star we are all one all moving to the same end remember that when you no longer remember me [Music] but how can tree be stone a bird is not me Jane is not a tiger said Michael stoutly you think not said the hammer drives hissing voice look and he nodded his head towards the moving mass of creatures before them birds and animals were now swaying together closely encircling Mary Poppins who was rocking likey from side to side backwards and forwards went the swaying crowd keeping time together swinging like the pendulum of a clock even the trees were bending and lifting gently and the moon seemed to be rocking in the sky as a ship rocks on the sea we are all Oh murmured Mohammed rad softly folding his hood about him as he himself swayed between michurin the hissing voice grew softer the cries of the swaying animals dwindled and became fainter Jane and Michael as they listened felt themselves gently rocking to or as if they were being rocked soft shaded light fell on their faces asleep and dreaming I said it was spring boys was it the voice of the hammered riot or their mother's voice she tucked them in on a usual nightly round of the nursery odd was that the brown bear gruffly speaking or mr. banks Jane and Michael rocking and swing could not tell could not tell I had such a strange dream last night said Jane as she sprinkled sugar over our porridge at breakfast I dreamed we were at the zoo and it was Mary Poppins his birthday and instead of animals in the cages there were human beings and all the animals were outside why that's my dream I dreamed that too said Michael looking very surprised we can't both have dreamed the same thing said Jane are you sure did you remember the lion who curled his mane and the seal who wanted us to diaper orange-peel said Michael of course I do and the baby's inside the cage and the penguin who couldn't find a rhyme and the hammer Dryad then it couldn't have been a dream at all said Jane emphatically it must have been true and if it was she looked curiously at Mary Poppins who was boiling the milk Mary Poppins she said could Michael and I have dreamed the same dream you and your dreams said Mary Poppins sniffing eat your porridge please or you will have no buttered toast but Jane would not be put off she had to know Mary Poppins she said looking very hard at her were you at the zoo last night Mary Poppins his eyes popped at the zoo in the middle of the night me a quiet orderly person who knows that early to bed early to rise makes a man healthy wealthy and wise but were you Jane persisted I have all I need of zoos in this nursery thank you said Mary Poppins up Ashley hyenas orangutan for all of you since I straighter no more nonsense Jane pulled out her milk and it must have been a dream she said after all but Michael was staring open-mouthed at Mary Poppins who was now making toast at the fire Jane he said in a shrill whisper King Chuck he pointed and Jane too saw what he was looking at round her waist Mary Poppins was wearing a belt made of gold and scaly snakes in and on it was written in curving snaky writing a present from the zoo end of disc three discs for Chapter eleven Christmas shopping I smell snow said Jane as they got out of the bus I smell Christmas trees said Michael I smell fried fish said Mary Poppins and then there was no time to smell anything else for the bus had stopped outside the larger shop in the world and they were all going into it to do their Christmas shopping may we look at the windows first said Michael hopping excitedly on one leg I don't mind said Mary Poppins with surprising mildness not that Jane and Michael were really very surprised but they knew that the thing Mary Poppins like doing best of all was looking in shop windows they knew too that while they saw toys and books and holly boughs and plum cakes Mary Poppins saw nothing but herself reflected there look aeroplanes said Michael as they stopped before a window in which toy airplanes were careering through the air on wires and look there said Jane two tiny black babies in one cradle and a chocolate do you think or China just look at you said Mary Poppins to herself particularly noticing how nice her new gloves with the fur tops looked they were the first pair she had ever had and she thought she would never grow tired of looking at them in the shop windows with her hands inside them and having examined the reflection of the gloves she went carefully over her whole person coat hat scarf and shoes with herself inside and she thought that on the whole she had never seen anybody looking quite so smart and distinguished but the winter afternoon she knew was short and they had to be home by teatime so with a sigh she wrenched herself away from her glorious reflection now we will go in she said an annoyed Jane and Michael very much by lingering at the haberdashery counter and taking great trouble over the choice of a reel of black cotton the toy department Michael reminded her is in that direction I know thank you don't point she said and paid her bill with aggravating slowness but at last they found themselves alongside father Christmas who went to the greatest trouble in helping them choose their presents that will do nicely for daddy said Michael selecting a clockwork train with special signals I will take care of it for him when he goes to the city I think I will get this / mother said Jane pushing a small dolls perambulator which she felt sure her mother had always wanted perhaps she will lend it to me sometimes after that Michael chose a packet of hairpins to each of the twins and a Meccano set for his mother a mechanical beetle for Robertson I a pair of spectacles for Ellen whose I said was perfectly good and some bootlaces for mrs. brill who always wore slippers Jane after some hesitation eventually decided that a white Dicky would be just the thing for mr. banks and she bought two up in some Crusoe for the twins to read when they grew up until they are old enough I can read it myself she said I'm sure they will lend it to me Mary Poppins then had a great argument with father Christmas over cake of soap why not lifebuoy said father Christmas trying to be helpful and looking anxiously at Mary Poppins but she was being rather snappy I prefer the no Lea she said haughtily and she bought a cake of that my goodness she said smoothing the fur on her right hand glove I wouldn't have liked a cup of tea would you quarter life though ask Michael there is no call for you to be funny said mary poppins in such a voice that Michael felt that indeed there wasn't and it is time to go home there she had said the very words they had been hoping she wouldn't say that was so like Mary Poppins just five minutes longer pleaded Jane O do Mary Poppins you look so nice in your new laughs said Michael widely but Mary Poppins though she appreciated the remark was not taken in by it no she said and closed her mouth with a snap and stalk towards the doorway oh dear said Michael to himself as he followed her staggering under the weight of his parcels if only she would say yes for once but Mary Poppins hurried on and they had to go with her behind them father Christmas was waving his hand and the fairy queen on the Christmas tree and all the other dolls were smiling sadly and saying take me home somebody and the aeroplanes were beating their wings and saying in bird-like voices let me fly oh do let me fly Jane and Michael hurried away closing their ears to those enchanting voices and feeling that the time in the toy department had been unreasonably and cruelly short and been just as they came towards the shop entrance the adventure happened they were just about to spin the glass door and go out when they saw coming towards it from the pavement the running flickering figure of a child look said Jane and Michael both together my gracious goodness glory me exclaimed Mary Poppins and Stood Still and well she might for the child had practically no clothes on only a light wispy strip of blue stuff that looked as though she had torn it from the sky to wrap around her naked body it was evident that she did not know much about spinning doors but she went round and round inside it pushing it so that it should spin faster and laughing as it caught her and sent her whirling round and round then suddenly with a quick little movement she freed self sprang away from it and landed inside the shop she paused on tiptoe turning her head this way and that as though she were looking for someone then with a start of pleasure she caught sight of Jane and Michael and Mary Poppins as they stood half hidden behind an enormous fir tree and ran towards them joyously ah there you are thank you for waiting I'm afraid I'm a little late said the child stretching out her bright arms to Jane and Michael now she cocked her head on one side are you glad to see me yes yes yes said Jane smiling for nobody she felt could help being glad to see anyone so bright and happy but who are you she inquired curiously what is your name said Michael gazing at her Oh am i what is my name don't say you don't know me I'm Shirley Shirley the child seemed very surprised and a little disappointed she turned suddenly to Mary Poppins and pointed her finger she knows me don't you I'm sure you know me there was a curious look on Mary Poppins his face Jane and Michael could see blue fires in her eyes as though they reflected the glue of the child's dress and her brightness does it does it she whispered begin with an M the child hopped on one leg delightedly of course it does and you know it ma I a I Maya she turned to Jane and Michael now you recognize me don't you and the second of the pleiades Elektra she's the eldest couldn't come because she's minding Moreau P Moreau P's the baby and the other five of us come in between all girls our mother was very disappointed at best not to have a boy but now she doesn't mind the child danced a few steps and burst out again in her excited little voice Oh Jane Oh Michael I've often watched you from the sky and now I'm actually talking to you there is nothing about you I don't know Michael doesn't like having his hair brushed and Jane has a thrushes egg in a jam jar on the mantelpiece and your father is going bald on the top I like him it was he who first introduced don't you remember he said one evening last summer look there are the Pleiades seven stars altogether the smallest in the sky but there is one of them you can't see he meant Moroni of course she's still too young to stay up all night she's such a baby but she has to go to bed very early some of them up there caught us the little sisters and sometimes we've called the seven doubts but a Ryan causes you girls and takes us hunting with him but what are you doing here demanded Michael's still very surprised Maya laughed asked Mary Poppins I am sure she knows tell us Mary Poppins said Jane well said Mary Poppins snappily I suppose you two aren't the only ones in the world that want to go shopping at Christmas that's it squealed Mayer delightedly she's quite right I've come down to buy toys for them all we can't get away very often you know because we're so busy making and storing up the spring rains that's the special job of the Pleiades however we drew lots and I won wasn't it lucky she hugged herself happily now come on I can't stay very long and you must come back and help me choose and dancing about them running now to one and now to another she shepherded them back to the toy department as they went the crowds of shoppers stood and stared at them and dropped their parcels with astonishment so cold for her what can her parents be thinking off said the mothers with voices that were certainly soft and gentle I mean to say said the fathers it shouldn't be allowed must write to The Times about it and their voices were unnaturally Graff and gritty the shop Walker's behaved curiously to as the little group passed they bowed to Maya as though she were a queen but none of them not Jane nor Michael nor Mary Poppins nor Maya noticed nor heard anything extraordinary they were too busy with their own extraordinary adventure here we are said Maya as she prance tin to the toy department now what shall we choose an assistant with a start crowd respectfully as soon as he saw her I want something for each of my sister's six of them you must help me please said Maya's smiling at him certainly madam said the assistant agreeably first my eldest sister said Maya she's very domestic what about that little stove with the silver sauce pans yes and that striped broom was so troubled with Stardust and she will love having that to sweep it up with this system began wrapping the things in colored paper now for to get a she likes dancing don't you think Jana's skipping rope would be just the thing for her you'll tie them carefully won't you she said to the assistant I have a long way to go she fluttered on among the toys never standing still for a moment but walking with a light Quicksilver step as though she was still twinkling in the sky Mary Poppins and Jane and Michael could not take their eyes off her as she flickered from one of them to another asking their advice then there's al Sione she's difficult she's so quiet and thoughtful and never seems to want anything a book do you think Mary Poppins what is this family this Robinsons I think she would like that and if she doesn't she can look at the pictures wrap it up she handed the book to the assistant I know what Solana once she went on a hoop she computed it across the sky in the daytime and make a circle of it to spin about her at night she'll love that red and blue one the assistant bowed again and began to wrap up the hoop now there are only the two little ones left Michael what would you advise the stirrup e what about a top said Michael giving the question his earnest consideration ah humming top what a good idea she would love to watch it there waltzing and singing down the sky and what do you think the Murrow P the Baby Jane John and Barbara said Jane shyly have rubber ducks Maya gave a delighted squeal and hugged herself Oh Jane how wise you are had never thought of that a rubber duck former LP please a blue one with yellow eyes the assistant tied up the parcels while Maya ran round him pushing at the paper giving a tug to the string to make sure that it was firmly knotted that's right she said you see I must have drop anything Michel who had been staring steadily at her ever since she first appeared turned and said in a loud whisper to Mary Poppins but she has no past who will pay for the toys none of your business snapped Mary Poppins and it's rude to whisper but she began to fumble busily in her pocket what did you say demanded Maya with round surprised eyes hey nobody will pay there is nothing to pay is there she turned her shining gaze upon the assistant nothing at all madam he is shorter as he put the parcels into her arms and bowed again I thought not you see she said turning to Michael the whole point of Christmas is that things should be given away isn't it besides what could I pay with we have no money out there and she laughed at the mere suggestion of such a thing now we must go she went on taking Michaels arm we must all go home is very late and I heard your mother telling you that you must be home in time for tea besides I must get back to come and drawing Michael and Jane and Mary Poppins after her she led the way through the shop and out by the spinning door outside the entrance Jane suddenly said but there's no present for her she's bought something for all the others and nothing for herself Maya has no Christmas present and she began to search hurriedly through the parcel she was carrying to see what she could spare for Maya Mary Poppins gave a quick glance into the window beside her she saw herself shining back at her very smart very interesting her hat on straight her coat nicely pressed and her new gloves just completing the whole effect you be quiet she said to Jane in her snappiest voice at the same time she whipped off her new gloves and thrust one onto each of Maya's hands there she gruffly it's cold today you'll be glad of them Maya looked at the gloves hanging very large and almost empty upon her hands she said nothing but moving close to mary poppins she reached up her spare arm and put it round mary poppins his neck and kissed her a long look passed between them and they smiled as people smile who understand each other Maya turn then and with her hand lightly touched the cheeks of Jane and Michael and for a moment they all stood in a ring at the Windy corner gazing at each other as though they were enchanted I've been so happy said Maya softly breaking the silence don't forget me will you they shook their heads goodbye said Maya goodbye said the others though it was the last thing they wanted to say then Maya standing poised on tiptoe lifted up her arms and sprang into the air she began to step climbing ever higher as though there were invisible stairs cut into the gray sky she waved to them as she went and a three of them waved back what on earth is happening somebody said close by but it's not possible said another voice preposterous cried a third for a crowd was gathering to witness the extraordinary sight of my returning home a policeman pushed his way through the throng scattering the people with his truncheon now now what for is an accident or what he looked up his gaze following that of the rest of the crowd he recalled angrily shaking his fist at Maya come down what are you doing out there holding up the traffic and all come down we can't have this kind of thing no in a public place it isn't natural far away they heard Maya laughing and saw something bright dangling from her arm it was a skipping-rope after all the parcel had come undone for a moment longer they saw her prancing up the air is stare and then a bank of clouds hid her from their eyes they knew she was behind it though because of the brightness that shone about its thick dark edge where long jiggered said the policeman bearing up words and scratching his head under its helmet and when you might be said Mary Poppins with such a ferocious snap but anyone else might have thought she was really cross with the policeman but Jane and Michael were not taken in by that snap but they could see in Mary Poppins his eyes something that if she were anybody else but Mary Poppins might have been described as tears could we have imagined it said Michael when they got home and told a story to their mother perhaps said mrs. banks we imagine strange and lovely things my darling but what about Mary Poppins his gloves said Jane we saw her give them away to Maia and she's not wearing them now so it must be true what Mary Poppins exclaimed mrs. banks your best fair top gloves you gave them away Mary Poppins sniffed my gloves are my gloves and I do what I like with them she said haughtily and she straightened her hat and went down to the kitchen to have her tea chapter twelve west-wind it was the first day of spring Jane and Michael knew this at once because they heard mr. banks singing in his bath and there was only one day in the year when he did that they always remembered that particular morning for one thing it was the first time they were allowed to come downstairs for breakfast and for another mr. banks lost his black bag so that the day began with two extraordinary happenings where is my bag shouted mr. banks turning round and round in the hall like a dog chasing its tail and everybody else began running round and round to Ellen and mrs. brill and the children even Robertson I made a special effort and turned round twice at last mr. banks discovered the bag himself in his study and he rushed into the hall with it holding it aloft now he said as though he were delivering a sermon my bag is always kept in one place here on the umbrella stand who put it in the study he roared you did my dear when you took the income tax papers out of it last night said mrs. banks mr. banks gif has such a hurt look that she wished she had been less tactless and had said she had put it there herself he said blowing his nose very hard and taking his overcoat from its peg he walked with it to the front door hello he said more cheerfully the parrot tulips are in bad he went into the garden and sniffed the air mmm winds in the West I think he looked down towards Edmund booms house where the telescope weathercock swung I thought so he said westerly weather brightened barmy I won't take an overcoat and with that he picked up his bag and his bowler hat and hurried away to the city did you hear what he said Michael grabbed James arm she nodded the winds in the West she said slowly neither of them said any more but there was a thought in each of their minds that they wished was not there they forgot it soon however but everything seemed to be as it always was and the spring sunlight lit up the house so beautifully that nobody remembered it needed a coat of paint and new wallpapers on the contrary they all found themselves thinking that it was the best house in Cherry Tree Lane but trouble began after luncheon Jane had gone down to dig in the garden with Robertson I she had just sown a row of radish seed when she heard a great commotion in the nursery and the sound of hurrying footsteps on the stairs presently Michael appeared very red in the face and panting loudly look Jane look he cried and held out his hand within it lay MARY POPPINS his compass with the disc frantically swinging round the arrow as it trembled in michael's shaking hand the compass said Jane and looked at him questioningly Michael suddenly burst into tears she gave it to me he wept she said I could have it all for myself now oh oh there must be something wrong what is going to happen she has never given me everything before happy she was only being nice said Jane to soothe him but in her heart she felt as disturbed as Michael was she knew very well that Mary Poppins never wasted time and being nice and yet strange to say during that afternoon Mary Poppins never said a crossword indeed she hardly said a word at all she seemed to be thinking very deeply and when they asked questions she answered them in a faraway voice at last Michael could bear it no longer oh do be crass Mary Poppins do be cross again it is not like you oh I feel so anxious and indeed his heart felt heavy with the thought that something he did not quite know what was about to happen at number 17 Cherry Tree Lane trouble trouble and it will trouble you retorted Mary Poppins crossly in her usual voice and immediately he felt a little better perhaps it's only a feeling he said to Jane perhaps everything is all right and I'm just imagining don't you think so Jane probably said Jane slowly but she was thinking hard and her heart felt tight in her body the wind grew wilder towards evening and blue in little gusts about the house it went pulling and whistling down the chimneys slipping in through the cracks under the windows turning the nursery carpet up at the corners Mary Poppins Gades and their supper and cleared away the things stacking them neatly and methodically then she tied it up the nursery and put the kettle on the hob there she said glancing around the room to see that everything was all right she was silent for a minute then she put one hand lightly on Michaels head and the other on Jane's shoulder now she said I am just going to take the shoes down for Roberts and I to clean behave yourselves please till I come back she went out and shut the door quietly behind her suddenly as she went they both felt they must run after her but something seemed to stop them they remained quiet with their elbows on the table waiting for her to come back each was trying to reassure the other without saying anything how silly we AHA said Jane presently everything's alright but she knew she said it more to come but Michael then because she thought it was true the nursery clock ticked loudly from the mantelpiece the fire flickered and crackled and slowly died down they still sat there at the table waiting at last Michael said uneasily she's been gone a very long time hasn't she the wind whistled and cried about the house as if in reply the clock went on ticking its solemn double note suddenly the silence was broken by the sound of the front door shutting with a loud bang Michael said Jane starting up Jane said Michael with a white anxious look on his face they listened then they ran quickly to the window and looked out down below just outside the front door stood Mary Poppins dressed in her coat and hat with her carpet bag in one hand and her umbrella in the other the wind was blowing wildly about her tugging at her skirt tilting her hat freakishly to one side but it seemed to Jane and Michael that she did not mind for she smiled as though she and the wind understood each other she paused for a moment on the step and glanced back towards the front door then with a quick movement she opened the umbrella though it was not raining and thrust it over her head the wind with a wild cry slipped under the umbrella pressing it upwards as though trying to force it out of Mary Poppins his hand but she held on tightly and that apparently was what the wind wanted her to do but presently it lifted the umbrella higher into the air and Mary Poppins from the ground it carried her lightly so that her toes just graze along the garden path then it lifted her over the front gate and swept her upwards towards the branches of the cherry trees in the lane she's going she she's good me cried Michael weeping quick cry Jane let us get the twins they must see the last of her she had no doubt now nor had Michael that Mary Poppins had gone for good because the wind had changed they each seized the twin and rushed back to the window Mary Poppins was in the upper air now floating away over the cherry trees and the roofs of the houses holding tightly to the umbrella with one hand and to the carpetbag with the other the twins began to cry quietly with their free hands Jane and Michael opened the window and made one last effort to stay Mary Poppins his flight Mary Poppins they cried Mary Poppins come back but she either did not hear or deliberately took no notice but she went sailing on and on up into the cloudy whistling air till at last she was wafted away over the hill and the children could see nothing but the trees bending and moaning under the wild west wind she did what she said she would anyway she stayed till wind changed said Jane sighing and turning sadly from the window she took John to his cot and put him into it Michael said nothing but as he brought Barbara back and tucked her into bed he was sniffing uncomfortably I wonder said Jane if we'll ever see her again suddenly they heard voices on the stairs children children mrs. banks was calling a she open the door children I am Barry cross Mary Poppins has left us yes said Jane and Michael you knew then said mrs. banks rather surprised did she tell you she was going they shook their heads and mrs. banks went on it's outrageous one minute here and gone the next not even an apology simply said I'm going and off she went anything more preposterous more thought there's more discourteous what is it Michael she broke off crossly for Michael her grasp her skirt in his hands and was shaking her what is it child did she say she'd come back he cried nearly knocking his mother over tell me did she you will not behave like a red engine Michael she said loosening his hole I don't remember what she said except that she was going but I certainly shan't have her back if she does want to come leaving me high and dry with no tea to help me and without a word of notice Oh mother said Jane reproachfully you were a very cruel woman said Michael clenching his fists as though at any minute she would have to strike her children I'm ashamed of you really am to want back anybody who has treated your mother so badly I'm utterly shocked Jane burst into tears MARY POPPINS is the only person I was in the world Michael wailed and flung himself onto the floor really I don't understand you don't be good I beg of you there's nobody to look after you tonight I have to go out to dinner and it's Evans day off I shall have to send mrs. Brill up and she kissed the map sent mindedly and went away with an anxious little line on her forehead well if I ever did Oh going away and leaving you poor dear children in the nurture Abnett said mrs. brill a moment later bustling in and setting to work on them a heart of stone that's what that girl had in no mistake or my name's not clara brill always keeping us after herself - i'm not even a lace handkerchief or a hairpin to remember i buy get up will you please master Michael mrs. brill went on panting heavily now we stood her so long I don't know with our airs and graces and all what a lot of buttons Miss Jane stands still do now and let me undress you master Michael playing she was - nothing much to look at indeed all things considered I don't know that we won't be better off after all now Miss Jane were in height gown why I was this under your pillow mrs. brill had drawn at a small knobbly parcel what is it give it to me give it said Jane trembling with excitement and she took it from mrs. reels very quickly Michael came and stood near her and watched her undo the string and tear away the brown paper mrs. brill without waiting to see what emerged from the package went into the twins the last wrapping fell to the floor and the thing that was in the parcel lay in James hand it's pitch she said in a whisper looking closely at it and it was inside a little curly frame was a painting of Mary Poppins and underneath it was written Mary Poppins by Burt that's the match man he did it said Michael and took it in his hand so that you could have a better look Jane found suddenly that there was a letter attached to the painting she unfolded it carefully it ran dear Jane Michael had the compass so the picture is for you olive Wow Mary Poppins she read it out loud till she came to the word she couldn't understand mrs. brill she called what does Orewa in ohrid war Deary shrieked mrs. brill from the next room what doesn't it mean let me see um I'm not having these foreign tongues doesn't it mean god bless you no no no no I'm wrong I think miss Jane dear it means to meet again Jane and Michael looked at each other joy and understanding shone in their eyes they knew what Mary Poppins meant Michael gave a long sigh of relief that's all right he said shakily she always does what she says she will he turned away Michael are you crying Jane asked he twisted his head and tried to smile at her no I am NOT he said it is only my eyes she pushed him gently towards his bed and as he got in she slipped the portrait of Mary Poppins into his hand hurriedly in case she should regret it you have it for tonight darling whispered Jane and she tucked him in just as Mary Poppins used to do that was Mary Poppins by P L Travers read by Sophie Thompson T with Mary Poppins written and read by Brian Sibley I was going to tea with Mary Poppins well not exactly but I was going to tea with P L Travers who wrote the Mary Poppins books and I was suddenly walking down a street of neat and tidy looking houses that reminded me of Cherry Tree Lane true shore field Street off the Kings Road in London's Chelsea didn't boast any really grand houses with two gates like that owned by Miss lark and none of them were quite as unusual or as exciting as the shipshape home of Admiral boom but as I arrived at the door of number 29 I felt as if I might expect to find Roberts and I asleep on the doorstep or here the raised voices of mrs. Brill and Ellen coming up from the basement this all happened over 20 years ago but I remember it now as vividly as if it had only happened yesterday I've been invited to come to tea at 4 o'clock and I was a little early 10 minutes early to be precise because I really didn't want to be late and keep Mary Poppins waiting I went up the steps to the front door which rather surprisingly was painted candyfloss pink and I rang the bell silence I rang again still silence had I got the wrong day I wondered then a window two stories up flew open and a head popped out and asked in a brisk tone a you Brian Sibley I said that I was well said the head you are early and the window rattled shut again I waited and I waited for the full ten minutes I waited until the clock on a nearby church struck for only then did a woman with curly gray hair and bright forget-me-nots blue eyes open the door so this was Pamela Lyndon Travers although she wore a pair of sensible shoes of the kind Mary Poppins would have approved of she had on a very unfinished dress with lots of frills and flounces a number of jingly jangly bracelets and bangles rather like miss lark I thought and the chunky turquoise necklace after my weight on the doorstep I was a little nervous but she welcomed me in with a smile through my coat over the back of a noble rocking horse who galloped in the hall and showed me into the room where many times afterwards I would come to have tea and talk with the woman who introduced the world to Mary Poppins when Jane and Michael Banks once asked Mary Poppins who she would choose to be if she wasn't Mary Poppins she replied in her sharp no-nonsense tone Mary Poppins it is a typical Poppins response supremely confident yet at the same time as mysterious and as elusive as the place where a rainbow ends and sometimes P L Travers could be much the same for one thing that was not a real name when she was born in Australia in 1899 she was called Helen Lyndon Gough then as a young woman she became an actress and a dancer and took a stage name Pamela which she thought sounded pretty and actress E Linden which was her own second name and a reminder that her ancestors came from Ireland the land of myths and stories and Travers which was her father's first name he had died when she was seven years old and she never forgot how much she had loved him and missed him I think mr. banks in the stories is probably rather like her father and although Pamela used to tell people that he was a sugar planter in Australia at the time when she was born he was working in a bank just like Jana Michaels father Pamela usually got irritated if you talked about her having created Mary Poppins she preferred to say that she had discovered rather than invented her but as with so many things in Pamela's life you never quite knew she told me for instance that Mary Poppins had first blown into her imagination rather as she blows into the lives of the banks family when she was recovering from an illness in an old country cottage in six she said that somewhere in that strange state between being ill and getting better the idea of a person like Mary Poppins had come to her the truth however is that several years earlier she had written a short story called Mary Poppins and the match man that was published in a New Zealand newspaper this story was an early version of the second chapter of Mary Poppins in which Burt accompanies her on her day out and they enjoy a wonderful tea with heaps of raspberry jam cakes anyway during that illness she obviously thought up some new stories and wrote them down and the first book Mary Poppins was published in 1934 with illustrations by Mary Shepard the daughter of the man who drew Winnie the Pooh the following year she wrote her second book Mary Poppins comes back and then after a nine-year gap the third book in the series appeared now Pamela had wanted to call it goodbye Mary Poppins but eventually after her publisher begged her not to be quite so final it was renamed Mary Poppins opens the door and as it happens it wasn't goodbye to Mary Poppins because eight years later P L Travers wrote Mary Poppins in the park and the practically perfect nanny then reappeared in various spin-offs including an alphabet book Mary Poppins from A to Z which for some reason was later translated into Latin and a book of stories and recipes entitled Mary Poppins in the kitchen late in life the author wrote two more slim volumes Mary Poppins in Cherry Tree Lane and finally in 1988 Mary Poppins and the house next door if you're looking for autobiographical fax P L Travers once wrote Mary Poppins is the story of my life now this seems like an unlikely claim when you think that Mary Poppins goes inside a choc pavement picture slides up banisters arranges tea parties on the ceiling and has a carpetbag which is both empty and yet contains everything but if we take her at her word we can find many things in her books that spring from her own life and shape the story she told for example several of her fictional characters have names borrowed from people that Pamela had known in her childhood among them a strange little old woman with two tall daughters who the local general store where the young Pamela bought her sweets her name of course was as it is in the stories mrs. Kouri as some miss Poppins herself her first name was probably inspired by the younger of Pamela's two sisters who was known in the family as Moya the Irish version of Mary as for Poppins well Pamela never gave any clues as to where that name came from but when she first arrived in London to work as a journalist she was an office near Fleet Street and on her way to visit nearby sand Paul's Cathedral home to the bird woman she would have passed a little lane with the curious name Poppins Court although she and her sisters never had a Mary Poppins for a nanny they did have an Irish maid named Bertha or maybe she was called Bella Pamela could never quite remember Bella or Bertha was a marvelous character with almost as many eccentric relatives as Mary Poppins what's more Bertha or Bella possessed something that was her pride and joy a parent headed umbrella whenever she was going out Pamela once told me the umbrella would be carefully taken out of the tissue paper and off she would go looking terribly stylish but as soon as she came back the umbrella would be wrapped up in tissue paper once more now you will remember that Mary Poppins always carried her umbrella regardless of the weather simply because it was too beautiful not to be carried how could you leave your umbrella behind asks the author if it had a parrot's head for a handle as a younger you

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Keywords: P. L. Travers (Author)

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Published: Tue Nov 17 2015