196 WHISPERS FROM FAIRYLAND. [v.

best, and people really feel that they are alive and that
living is a privilege and a pleasure.

Molly Goodchild was not long in rising and getting
her breakfast, and although she felt lonely without
her husband, she was cheered by the thought that she
was about to takea step which, if all went well, might
lead to his recovery. The Turbot had first turned
her thoughts in the direction of the rabbits, and the
kind little Sandpiper had just put her on the right
scent as to.the particular quarter in which she should
enquire. His words had reminded her that among
the scattered trees of the wood which I have already
mentioned as stretching down to the shore, in a large
valley formed by a break in the cliffs, there was a
thorn-tree around which were several rabbit-holes.
There was a clear space of green turf, in the middle
of which, upon a species of mound, stood this tree,
which was one of gyeat antiquity, the very place for
a Wise Rabbit to inhabit, if such an animal there
were. As to this fact Molly would have been doubtful
only the day before, but the scenes which she had
witnessed made her ready to believe anything ; and
if a Turbot could laugh and sing, and a Sandpiper
talk English like a native, why should not.a Rabbit
know as much as either of them? So Molly made
ready directly after breakfast, put on her bonnet and
shawl, and trudged away along the shore in the
direction of the wood, which she reached without
adventure.

Ascending the valley for a short distance, she
presently approached the green space which has been
already mentioned, and as she drew near, saw several