安徒生童话-THE SHIRT-COLLAR.docVIP

1872 FAIRY TALES OF HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN THE SHIRT-COLLAR by Hans Christian Andersen THERE was once a fine gentleman who possessed among other things a boot-jack and a hair-brush; but he had also the finest shirt-collar in the world, and of this collar we are about to hear a story. The collar had become so old that he began to think about getting married; and one day he happened to find himself in the same washing-tub as a garter. Upon my word, said the shirt-collar, I have never seen anything so slim and delicate, so neat and soft before. May I venture to ask your name? I shall not tell you, replied the garter. Where do you reside when you are at home? asked the shirt-collar. But the garter was naturally shy, and did not know how to answer such a question. I presume you are a girdle, said the shirt-collar, a sort of under girdle. I see that you are useful, as well as ornamental, my little lady. You must not speak to me, said the garter; I do not think I have given you any encouragement to do so. Oh, when any one is as beautiful as you are, said the shirt-collar, is not that encouragement enough? Get away; dont come so near me, said the garter, you appear to me quite like a man. I am a fine gentleman certainly, said the shirt-collar, I possess a boot-jack and a hair-brush. This was not true, for these things belonged to his master; but he was a boaster. Dont come so near me, said the garter; I am not accustomed to it. Affectation! said the shirt-collar. Then they were taken out of the wash-tub, starched, and hung over a chair in the sunshine, and then laid on the ironing-board. And now came the glowing iron. Mistress widow, said the shirt-collar, little mistress widow, I feel quite warm. I am changing, I am losing all my creases. You are burning a hole in me. Ugh! I propose to you. You old rag, said