Alice watched the rather large pink
hippopotamus trot toward her.

Rather rudely, the hippopotamus
seemed to ignore the little girl,
carrying on straight past her.

Alice coughed contemptuously.

At this, the hippopotamus paused
for thought. He turned around and
said in a tiny, squeaky voice,
"Err, good day little girl".

"Why did you ignore me?" asked
Alice in her impetuous voice
reserved for ill-mannered animals.

"I really am most terribly sorry",
replied the incredibly coloured
creature. "You see, I am really an
extremely shy animal. I didn't mean
to offend you."

Alice, noticing the yellow name
badge on the hippo's lapel, spoke
softly: "That's okay Hugh. I'm
quite shy myself."