THE WEASELS OF HOLM-WOOD. | 35

one talked of his darling Miss Weasel, and the other of his dear
Miss Pussy; how they agreed that in matters of love every thing
was allowable; and how they swore eternal friendship to each

other throughout their lives.

Two days afterwards it was known all over Holm-wood that
the fair Miss Weasel had eloped with Longtail Marten. Mrs.
Goose and the four Miss Goslings were full of the information for
every one they met. It was the finest piece of scandal they had
known for years. “ Only think,” said they, “ after all her en-
gagement to young Doctor Ferret, to go and take up with the

schoolmaster; and all, forsooth, because Old Marten is rich !”’

But scarce had the first news of Miss Weasel’s extraordinary
behaviour run through the farm-yard, than old Bantam was seen
hurrying in, very red in the face from over exertion, and was
heard to declare, that he never knew the like of it, but as sure as
he was a living cock, he had met young Ferret the physician
running away with Miss Pussy, the daughter of old Mrs. Hare of
the Ferns. Mrs. Goose turned up the whites of her eyes and
almost fainted. Dame Partlett ran with all speed, that she might
be the first to cackle the intelligence to Mr. Drake; and the whole

island was soon in a ferment at this wonderful piece of gossip.

Of course, old Mr. Marten soon heard of all this; and so