Question

She said to him ever so many times, graciously waving her tail, “My son, when you find a Hedgehog you must drop him into the water and then he will uncoil, and when you catch a Tortoise you must scoop him out of his shell with your paw.” And so that was all right, Best Beloved.

–“The Beginning of the Armadillos,”
Rudyard Kipling

Which phrases from the passage convey a comforting tone? Check all that apply.

“Best Beloved”
“scoop him out”
“graciously waving”
“And so that was all right”
“drop him into the water”

Answer 1

Selected:
- “Best Beloved” — a term of endearment; comforting and affectionate.
- “graciously waving” — gentle, kind gesture that creates a soothing tone.
- “And so that was all right” — reassuring, calming statement.

Not selected:
- “scoop him out” — practical/instructional, not especially comforting.
- “drop him into the water” — describes a rough action, not comforting.