176 BEYOND THH BLUE MOUNTAINS.

bustled him about, and certainly worked him that evening harder than
he had ever been worked before.

He longed to tell the poor little boy in the cupboard about Summer
Land; but when he went into the scullery the cupboard was empty.
He wondered if the boy had been sent on a visit to Mr. Penalty, and
if he too would be wise enough to kiss the rod.

The next day, about the same hour, he was again sent down to
the dark narrow stream, and given a certain part of the day to spend
in Summer Land.

This state of things went on for a fortnight. Then there came a
day when Mrs. Patience returned once more to the cottage. She spoke
to Mrs. Discipline in a whisper, and Mrs. Discipline nodded at her
and whispered back, and Mrs. Patience said aloud—

“Ttis the King’s wish that he should go over to-morrow, so we
had better get his clothes ready.”

Buttercup felt his heart beat as he heard these words, for each day
that he spent with Sweet-Content in Summer Land made him long
more and more intensely to live there always.

The next day broke with a wintry gleam in the sky, and a faint
little attempt at sunlight.

“You need not polish the boots and shoes to-day,” said Mrs.
Discipline ; “your task is over. You may kiss me, however, if you
like, for you are never likely to see me again.”

“Am I to go to Summer Land this morning?” asked Butter-
cup.
“Yes, you are to go immediately. Mrs. Patience will take you
down to the stream.”

‘But she needn't,” said Buttercup; “I know my way quite well
now.

“You don’t know the way to-day, little boy,” said Mrs. Patience.
“You are to cross the river in a different fashion to-day. Say good-
bye to Mrs. Discipline, and let us be off.”

Buttercup could not help dancing for joy.

“Good-bye! good-bye!” he exclaimed. “ Will the boy in the
cupboard come too ?” :

 

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