Chapter 17

_Jack_ (_knocking_). I wonder if Old Mother Hubbard is at home. Hark! I hear her dog barking. Yes, and I hear her step. Here she is!

_Mother Hubbard_ (_opening the door_). Who is this knocking so loud? Oh, it's you, little nimble Jack! Will you come in?

_Jack._ No, thank you, Mrs. Hubbard. My mother wishes you to come over to our house for tea this afternoon. Will you come?

_Mother Hubbard._ Yes, thank you, Jack, I will. Tell your mother that I'm just going to market to buy my poor doggie a bone.

_Jack._ O Mother Hubbard! _please_ let me play with your dog. He's such a dear old doggie! Do you remember how he danced a jig the other day?

_Mother Hubbard._ Yes, Jack, I do; and I think you danced with him. You are both nimble young things and both like to dance. Well, good-by, now. Have a good time together and I'll bring you something little boys like.

_Jack._ Thank you! Good-by, good-by! Now, doggie, let's dance.

Old Mother Hubbard, she went to the cupboard, To get the poor doggie a bone; But when she got there, the cupboard was bare, And so the poor doggie had none.

_Dog_ (_sadly_). Bow-wow, bow-wow, bow-wow!

_Jack._ Oh! you don't like that song! Never mind, old fellow! Mother Hubbard has gone to the butcher's and she'll get you a bone, I'm sure. Wait till she comes back.

_Dog_ (_gayly_). Bow-wow, bow-wow, bow-wow!

_Jack._ I thought you would like that. Here she comes now. We've had a lovely dance, Mother Hubbard, and now I must hurry home.

_Mother Hubbard._ Thank you for staying and taking good care of my dog. Here are some fresh Banbury buns for you.

_Jack._ Oh, thank you, Mother Hubbard. I'm very fond of Banbury buns. Good-by!

_Mother Hubbard._ Good-by, Jack. Tell your mother I'll be over soon.

_Jack._ Bring your dog with you, and we'll have another dance. Good-by.

_Dog._ Bow-wow! bow-wow! bow-wow!