AUDREY. 85

_ “At which the mouse whisked his tail mockingly, and ran
off to tell one of his neighbors; for the mice and moles were
quite jealous of each other, and, though the mice had sharp
eyes, the moles had a quiet way of scuttling about, finding out
everything, which was quite provoking.

“¢ Ves,’ said the mole, ‘I know there are violets about.’
And he began with both hands to make his way to the upper
world.

_ “Ah! here we are,’ said he, as a breath of spring air shot
through the last handful of earth.

“What on earth—or, rather, under the earth—are you
doing ?’ said a voice.

“Finding my way out into the sunshine,’ returned the
mole. ‘Excuse me, but, not being blessed with the best of eye-
sight, [am not quite certain to whom I am speaking, though ~
from your few remarks, miss, I should judge you to be one of
the violet fairies.’

“<«You are quite right,’ said the violet, who now appeared
from under the green leaves, where she had hidden herself,
and, with head one side, stood looking at the mole. ‘It isa
pity you cannot see better, for I am quite taken with your
velvet coat.’

““Thank you, miss; you honor me,’ said the mole, laying
his hand on his heart. ‘Though you may not know it, I am
quite handy; it is nothing to me whether I walk backward or
forward. Now, is there anything I can do for your ladyship ”