The Wind in the Willows
by Kenneth Grahame (excerpt)
The Mole was tremendously interested and excited, and followed [the Toad] eagerly up the steps and into the interior of the caravan. The Rat only snorted and thrust his hands deep into his pockets, remaining where he was.
It was indeed very compact and comfortable. Little sleeping bunks—a little table that folded up against the wall—a cooking-stove, lockers, bookshelves, a bird-cage with a bird in it; and pots, pans, jugs and kettles of every size and variety.
“All complete!” said the Toad triumphantly, pulling open a locker. “You see—biscuits, potted lobster, sardines—everything you can possibly want. Soda-water here—baccy there—letter-paper, bacon, jam, cards and dominoes—you'll find,” he continued, as they descended the steps again, “you'll find that nothing what ever has been forgotten, when we make our start this afternoon.”
“I beg your pardon,” said the Rat slowly, as he chewed a straw, “but did I overhear you say something about ‘WE,’ and ‘START,’ and ‘THIS AFTERNOON?’”
“Now, you dear good old Ratty,” said Toad, imploringly, “don't begin talking in that stiff and sniffy sort of way, because you know you've GOT to come. I can't possibly manage without you, so please consider it settled, and don't argue—it's the one thing I can't stand. You surely don't mean to stick to your dull fusty old river all your life, and just live in a hole in a bank, and BOAT? I want to show you the world! I'm going to make an ANIMAL of you, my boy!”
“I don't care,” said the Rat, doggedly. “I'm not coming, and that's flat. And I AM going to stick to my old river, AND live in a hole, AND boat, as I've always done. And what's more, Mole's going to stick to me and do as I do, aren't you, Mole?”
“Of course I am,” said the Mole, loyally. “I'll always stick to you, Rat, and what you say is to be—has got to be. All the same, it sounds as if it might have been—well, rather fun, you know!” he added, wistfully. Poor Mole! The Life Adventurous was so new a thing to him, and so thrilling; and this fresh aspect of it was so tempting; and he had fallen in love at first sight with the canary-coloured cart and all its little fitments.
The Rat saw what was passing in his mind, and wavered. He hated disappointing people, and he was fond of the Mole, and would do almost anything to oblige him. Toad was watching both of them closely.
“Come along in, and have some lunch,” he said, diplomatically, “and we'll talk it over. We needn't decide anything in a hurry. Of course, I don't really care. I only want to give pleasure to you fellows. ‘Live for others!’ That's my motto in life.”
Select the correct answer.
How does this excerpt describe the character of Rat?
A.
It shows his outspoken and charming nature.
B.
It shows that he prefers the familiar and ordinary.
C.
It shows that he is not very fond of Mole.
D.
It shows his dislike for tiring physical activities.