86 AUDREY.

“«Yes; if you will take away a few of these leaves I will
peep out and see what is going on in the world, for by the
orders of our queen I must. stop here till midnight, and that
is quite a long way off’

““*So it is,’ replied the mole, as he bit off some of the leaves
which were growing around the violet’s head. ‘ Now, what can
I offer you to eat? A few roots, for example?

“* Roots! No,’ cried she, ‘such food! There are plenty of
dew-drops under here, and the bees will be along with honey
after a while.’

“*T beg your pardon,’ said the mole; ‘there are things
underground demanding my attention. And, with a hurt
look, he vanished.

“*What a stupid creature!’ exclaimed the violet, as she
shook out her purple skirts. ‘Roots, indeed! But just then
she heard a slight cough, and quickly drew in her head;
however, the bright eyes of a little field-mouse soon spied
her.

“*Don’t hide,’ said he. ‘I have just been taking a little
dash around the field; had a most delightful chat with Miss
Buttercup ; she is looking very bright this morning.’

“¢ How did you know I was here? asked the violet.

“*Oh, I saw you; and if I had not seen you, my heart
would have told me,’ he replied, gallantly.

“Violet hung her head shyly : ‘ You have such bright eyes
that I am afraid of you.’