My Lady. 27
cow, and I take care of her always; and she’s as
fond of me—why, I cannot go out of her sight but
she’s calling me. She’s that sharp, you can’t think
—she knows almost everything. You may pat her
if you like, she won’t hurt.”

“And your name?” said the lady, smiling and
stroking Monna.

“Reuben Bramble o’ Turnaside,” replied I. And
then, suddenly overcome with the sense of my own
boldness in thus chattering freely to the lady, I
rubbed my face into Monna’s side and would not
say a word more, though I remember the lady spoke
gently to me, saying, “ Look up, little boy, and tell
me where you live.” But I was peeping out at her
all the time, and presently I saw her go to the door
of the hut.

“The rain is nearly over,” she said; “and look
what a lovely rainbow there is. It is a sign of fair
weather too, for

°A rainbow at night

Is the shepherd’s delight.

Do you remember when the first rainbow was scen,

my boy ?”

“No!” replied I, for I had followed her out to
look at it. “It must have been a good while
agone.”

“ So it was,” said the lady. “It was just after