Toad stood on the boat.
He watched the countryside roll by.
"I'm finally on my way home!" he sighed.
The possum looked at Toad's dress.
"So you're a washwoman?" she asked.
"Oh yes," said Toad, remembering how he looked.
Then he could not stop himself.
He started to brag.
"I have the best business in the country!
The richest people bring me their clothes!
And twenty washwomen work for me," said Toad.
"I'm very impressed!" said the possum.
"I just love doing the wash," said Toad.
"When I'm washing, I feel great!
I clean clothes better than anyone."
"How lucky that I met you!" said the possum.
"What do you mean?" asked Toad.
"My dirty clothes are in the back," she said.
"They need washing."
"Oh, why didn't I keep quiet?" thought Toad.
"There's a tub and some soap too," she said.
"But, but . . . ," said Toad.
"It will take a while to get to Toad Hall," she said.
"You can enjoy yourself on the way!"
"Let me steer for you," said Toad.
"You must be tired of steering.
Then you can do the washing."
"No, no," she said.
"You go have some fun!"
"I don't know how to wash," thought Toad.
"What are you waiting for?" asked the possum.
Then Toad thought, "Oh, I'm sure it's easy.
Anyone can wash clothes!"