OF THE FOREST. 17

indeed were daring enough to thrust their
hands into my pockets to rob me of the
small packets of seeds or bulbous roots
which had been deposited therein to attract
the pretty thieves. More than once I have
seized a dimpled hand in the very act of
felony, and then it was my custom to take
out my large clasp knife, to open it wide,
to whet it on the nearest stone, and to pre-
tend that I was about to take instant and
cruel revenge ; whilst the sparkling and
blooming delinquents shriecked and danced
around me, now receding, now advancing,
now approaching, now retiring, till every
avenue of the garden re-echoed with the
merry notes of innocent delight. Oh, joyous
days of happy and unapprehensive youth,
when the light heart never wearies with the
same jest, however often reacted or repeated,
nor yawns at the oft-told tale !

Often, too, was I invited to the collation
at four o'clock, when the weather would
permit the little party to enjoy that simple
meal in the open air: and when Father
Raffré promised his company, most happy
was that little fair one who could contribute

B 3