“ CARROTS.”

«Yes, I do like it,’ replied Carrots; but ©
he would say no more.

Floss grew more and more uneasy.

«© Mott!” she burst out, “please don't
tease Carrots. It’s nothing wrong; it’s only
something we've planned ourselves.”

Mott’s curiosity was by this time thoroughly
‘aroused. |

«A secret, is it?” he exclaimed, pricking

up his ears; “you'd best tell it me. I’m a

duffer at keeping secrets. Out with it!”

Floss looked ready to cry; and Carrots shut
his mouth tight, as if determined not to give
in. Nurse thought it time to interfere.

“Master Maurice,’ she said ,appealingly,
«don’t tease the poor little things; there’s a
good boy. If it is a secret, there’s no harm
in it, you may be sure.”

“Tease!” repeated Mott virtuously; “I’m
not teasing. I only want to know what the
mystery is. Why shouldn't I? I won't in-
WIS,”

Now, Mott was just at the age when the