When I ate my meals I used to wish for a pleasant companion to eat with me ; and when I sat by the fire of evenings , I thought how much more social it would be if some one sat opposite . I had many friends and callers through the day , but the evenings were often rather dull ; for I could n't read much , and did n't care to go out in the stormy weather . I was wishing for a cheerful friend one night , when all of a sudden I found one ; for , sitting on my hand , I saw a plump , jolly-looking fly . He sat quietly staring at me , with a mild little hum , as if to say , -- ` How are you ? You wanted a friend , and here I am . Will you have me ? ' Of course I would , for I liked him directly , he was so cheery and confiding , and seemed as glad to see me as I was to see him . All his mates were dead and gone , and he was alone , like myself . So I waggled one finger , by way of welcome , fearing to shake my hand , lest he should tumble off and feel hurt at my reception . He seemed to understand me , and buzzed again , evidently saying , -- ` Thank you , ma'am . I should like to stay in your warm room , and amuse you for my board . I wo n't disturb you , but do my best to be a good little friend . ' So the bargain was struck , and he stopped to tea . I found that his manners had been neglected ; for he was inclined to walk over the butter , drink out of the cream-pot , and put his fingers in the jelly . A few taps with my spoon taught him to behave with more propriety , and he sipped a drop of milk from the waiter with a crumb of sugar , as a well-bred fly should do . On account of his fine voice , I named him Buzz , and we soon got on excellently together . He seemed to like his new quarters , and , after exploring every corner of the room , he chose his favourite haunts and began to enjoy himself . I always knew where he was , for he kept up a constant song , humming and buzzing , like a little kettle getting ready to boil . On sunny days , he amused himself by bumping his head against the window , and watching what went on outside . It would have given me a headache , but he seemed to enjoy it immensely .
Up in my hanging basket of ivy he made his bower , and XXXXX there on the moss basking in the sunshine , as luxuriously as any gentleman in his conservatory .
am amused ate found got read sat sitting taught watching