“Still playing your old game？” said Eustace Clarence， who had been listening outside the door and now came grinning into the room. Last year， when he had been staying with the Pevensies， he had managed to hear them all talking of Narnia and he loved teasing them about it. He thought of course that they were making it all up； and as he was far too stupid to make anything up himself， he did not approve of that.
“You‘re not wanted here，” said Edmund curtly.
“I’m trying to think of a limerick，” said Eustace. “Something like this：
“Some kids who played games about NarniaGot gradually balmier and balmier.”
“Well， Narnia and balmier don‘t rhyme， to begin with，” said Lucy.
“It’s an assonance，” said Eustace.
“Don‘t ask him what an assy.thingummy is，” said Edmund. “He’s only longing to be asked. Say nothing and perhaps he‘ll go away.”
Most boys， on meeting a reception like this， would either have cleared out or flared up. Eustace did neither. He just hung about grinning， and presently began talking again.
“Do you like that picture？” he asked.
