CONTENTS
　　THETALEOFPETERRABBIT
　　THETAILOROFGLOUCESTER
　　THETALEOFSQUIRRELNUTKIN
　　THETALEOFBENJAMINBUNNY
　　THETALEOFTWOBADMICE
　　THETALEOFMRS。TIGGY—WINKLE
　　THEPIEANDTHEPATTY—PAN
　　THETALEOFMR。JEREMYFISHER
　　THESTORYOFAFIERCEBADRABBIT
　　THESTORYOFMISSMOPPET
　　THETALEOFTOMKITTEN
　　THETALEOFJEMIMAPUDDLE—DUCK
　　THEROLY—POLYPUDDING
　　THETALEOFTHEFLOPSYBUNNIES
　　THETALEOFMRS。TITTLEMOUSE
　　THETALEOFTIMMYTIPTOES
　　THETALEOFMR。TOD
　　THETALEOFPIGLINGBLAND
　　GINGERANDPICKLES
　　THETALEOF
　　PETERRABBIT
　　OnceuponatimetherewerefourlittleRabbits，andtheirnameswere——
　　Flopsy，Mopsy，Cotton—tail，andPeter。
　　TheylivedwiththeirMotherinasand—bank，underneaththerootofaverybigfir—tree。
　　"Now，mydears，"saidoldMrs。
　　Rabbitonemorning，"youmaygointothefieldsordownthelane，butdon’tgointoMr。McGregor’sgarden：yourFatherhadanaccidentthere；hewasputinapiebyMrs。McGregor。"
　　"Nowrunalong，anddon’tgetintomischief。Iamgoingout。"
　　ThenoldMrs。Rabbittookabasketandherumbrella，andwentthroughthewoodtothebaker’s。Sheboughtaloafofbrownbreadandfivecurrantbuns。
　　Flopsy，Mopsy，andCotton—tail，whoweregoodlittlebunnies，wentdownthelanetogatherblackberries；
　　ButPeter，whowasverynaughty，ranstraightawaytoMr。McGregor’sgarden，andsqueezedunderthegate!
　　FirstheatesomelettucesandsomeFrenchbeans；andthenheatesomeradishes；
　　Andthen，feelingrathersick，hewenttolookforsomeparsley。
　　Butroundtheendofacucumberframe，whomshouldhemeetbutMr。
　　McGregor!
　　Mr。McGregorwasonhishandsandkneesplantingoutyoungcabbages，buthejumpedupandranafterPeter，wavingarakeandcallingout，"Stopthief。"
　　Peterwasmostdreadfullyfrightened；herushedalloverthegarden，forhehadforgottenthewaybacktothegate。
　　Helostoneofhisshoesamongthecabbages，andtheothershoeamongstthepotatoes。
　　Afterlosingthem，heranonfourlegsandwentfaster，sothatIthinkhemighthavegotawayaltogetherifhehadnotunfortunatelyrunintoagooseberrynet，andgotcaughtbythelargebuttonsonhisjacket。Itwasabluejacketwithbrassbuttons，quitenew。
　　Petergavehimselfupforlost，andshedbigtears；buthissobswereoverheardbysomefriendlysparrows，whoflewtohimingreatexcitement，andimploredhimtoexerthimself。
　　Mr。McGregorcameupwithasieve，whichheintendedtopopuponthetopofPeter；butPeterwriggledoutjustintime，leavinghisjacketbehindhim。
　　Andrushedintothetoolshed，andjumpedintoacan。Itwouldhavebeenabeautifulthingtohidein，ifithadnothadsomuchwaterinit。
　　Mr。McGregorwasquitesurethatPeterwassomewhereinthetoolshed，perhapshiddenunderneathaflower—
　　pot。Hebegantoturnthemovercarefully，lookingundereach。
　　PresentlyPetersneezed——
　　"Kertyschoo!"Mr。McGregorwasafterhiminnotime，AndtriedtoputhisfootuponPeter，whojumpedoutofawindow，upsettingthreeplants。ThewindowwastoosmallforMr。McGregor，andhewastiredofrunningafterPeter。Hewentbacktohiswork。
　　Petersatdowntorest；hewasoutofbreathandtremblingwithfright，andhehadnottheleastideawhichwaytogo。Alsohewasverydampwithsittinginthatcan。
　　Afteratimehebegantowanderabout，goinglippity——lippity——notveryfast，andlookingallaround。
　　Hefoundadoorinawall；butitwaslocked，andtherewasnoroomforafatlittlerabbittosqueezeunderneath。
　　Anoldmousewasrunninginandoutoverthestonedoorstep，carryingpeasandbeanstoherfamilyinthewood。Peteraskedherthewaytothegate，butshehadsuchalargepeainhermouththatshecouldnotanswer。
　　Sheonlyshookherheadathim。Peterbegantocry。
　　Thenhetriedtofindhiswaystraightacrossthegarden，buthebecamemoreandmorepuzzled。
　　Presently，hecametoapondwhereMr。McGregorfilledhiswater—cans。A
　　whitecatwasstaringatsomegoldfish；shesatvery，verystill，butnowandthenthetipofhertailtwitchedasifitwerealive。Peterthoughtitbesttogoawaywithoutspeakingtoher；hehasheardaboutcatsfromhiscousin，littleBenjaminBunny。
　　Hewentbacktowardsthetoolshed，butsuddenly，quiteclosetohim，heheardthenoiseofahoe——scr—
　　r—ritch，scratch，scratch，scritch。Peterscutteredunderneaththebushes。Butpresently，asnothinghappened，hecameout，andclimbeduponawheelbarrow，andpeepedover。ThefirstthinghesawwasMr。McGregorhoeingonions。HisbackwasturnedtowardsPeter，andbeyondhimwasthegate!
　　Petergotdownveryquietlyoffthewheelbarrow，andstartedrunningasfastashecouldgo，alongastraightwalkbehindsomeblack—currantbushes。
　　Mr。McGregorcaughtsightofhimatthecorner，butPeterdidnotcare。
　　Heslippedunderneaththegate，andwassafeatlastinthewoodoutsidethegarden。
　　Mr。McGregorhungupthelittlejacketandtheshoesforascare—crowtofrightentheblackbirds。
　　Peterneverstoppedrunningorlookedbehindhimtillhegothometothebigfir—tree。
　　Hewassotiredthathefloppeddownuponthenicesoftsandontheflooroftherabbit—hole，andshuthiseyes。Hismotherwasbusycooking；
　　shewonderedwhathehaddonewithhisclothes。ItwasthesecondlittlejacketandpairofshoesthatPeterhadlostinafortnight!
　　IamsorrytosaythatPeterwasnotverywellduringtheevening。
　　Hismotherputhimtobed，andmadesomecamomiletea；andshegaveadoseofittoPeter!
　　"Onetable—spoonfultobetakenatbed—time。"
　　ButFlopsy，Mopsy，andCotton—tailhadbreadandmilkandblackberriesforsupper。
　　THETAILOROF
　　GLOUCESTER
　　"I’llbeatchargesforalooking—glass；
　　Andentertainascoreortwooftailors。"
　　[RichardIII]
　　MyDearFreda：
　　Becauseyouarefondoffailytales，andhavebeenill，I
　　havemadeyouastoryallforyourself——anewonethatnobodyhasreadbefore。
　　Andthequeerestthingaboutitis——thatIhearditinGloucestershire，andthatitistrue——atleastaboutthetailor，thewaistcoat，andthe"Nomoretwist!"
　　_Christmas_
　　Inthetimeofswordsandperiwigsandfull—skirtedcoatswithfloweredlappets——whengentlemenworeruffles，andgold—lacedwaistcoatsofpaduasoyandtaffeta——therelivedatailorinGloucester。
　　HesatinthewindowofalittleshopinWestgateStreet，cross—leggedonatablefrommorningtilldark。
　　Alldaylongwhilethelightlastedhesewedandsnippetted，piecingouthissatin，andpompadour，andlutestring；stuffshadstrangenames，andwereveryexpensiveinthedaysoftheTailorofGloucester。
　　Butalthoughhesewedfinesilkforhisneighbours，hehimselfwasvery，verypoor。Hecuthiscoatswithoutwaste；accordingtohisembroideredcloth，theywereverysmallendsandsnippetsthatlayaboutuponthetable——"Toonarrowbreadthsfornought——exceptwaistcoatsformice，"
　　saidthetailor。
　　OnebittercolddaynearChristmastimethetailorbegantomakeacoat（acoatofcherry—
　　colouredcordedsilkembroideredwithpansiesandroses）andacream—
　　colouredsatinwaistcoatfortheMayorofGloucester。
　　Thetailorworkedandworked，andhetalkedtohimself："Nobreadthatall，andcutonthecross；itisnobreadthatall；tippetsformiceandribbonsformobs!formice!"saidtheTailorofGloucester。
　　Whenthesnow—flakescamedownagainstthesmallleadedwindow—
　　panesandshutoutthelight，thetailorhaddonehisday’swork；allthesilkandsatinlaycutoutuponthetable。
　　Thereweretwelvepiecesforthecoatandfourpiecesforthewaistcoat；
　　andtherewerepocket—flapsandcuffsandbuttons，allinorder。Fortheliningofthecoattherewasfineyellowtaffeta，andforthebutton—
　　holesofthewaistcoattherewascherry—colouredtwist。Andeverythingwasreadytosewtogetherinthemorning，allmeasuredandsufficient——exceptthattherewaswantingjustonesingleskeinofcherry—colouredtwistedsilk。
　　Thetailorcameoutofhisshopatdark。Noonelivedthereatnightsbutlittlebrownmice，andTHEYraninandoutwithoutanykeys!
　　ForbehindthewoodenwainscotsofalltheoldhousesinGloucester，therearelittlemousestaircasesandsecrettrap—doors；andthemicerunfromhousetohousethroughthoselong，narrowpassages。
　　Butthetailorcameoutofhisshopandshuffledhomethroughthesnow。
　　Andalthoughitwasnotabighouse，thetailorwassopoorheonlyrentedthekitchen。
　　Helivedalonewithhiscat；itwascalledSimpkin。
　　"Miaw？"saidthecatwhenthetailoropenedthedoor，"miaw？"
　　Thetailorreplied："Simpkin，weshallmakeourfortune，butIamworntoaravelling。Takethisgroat（whichisourlastfourpence），and，Simpkin，takeachinapipkin，butapenn’orthofbread，apenn’orthofmilk，andapenn’orthofsausages。
　　Andoh，Simpkin，withthelastpennyofourfourpencebutmeonepenn’orthofcherry—colouredsilk。Butdonotlosethelastpennyofthefourpence，Simpkin，orIamundoneandworntoathread—paper，forI
　　haveNOMORETWIST。"
　　ThenSimpkinagainsaid"Miaw!"
　　andtookthegroatandthepipkin，andwentoutintothedark。
　　Thetailorwasverytiredandbeginningtobeill。Hesatdownbythehearthandtalkedtohimselfaboutthatwonderfulcoat。
　　"Ishallmakemyfortune——tobecutbias——theMayorofGloucesteristobemarriedonChristmasDayinthemorning，andhehathorderedacoatandanembroideredwaistcoat——"
　　Thenthetailorstarted；forsuddenly，interruptinghim，fromthedresserattheothersideofthekitchencameanumberoflittlenoises——
　　Tiptap，tiptap，tiptaptip!
　　"Nowwhatcanthatbe？"saidtheTailorofGloucester，jumpingupfromhischair。Thetailorcrossedthekitchen，andstoodquitestillbesidethedresser，listening，andpeeringthroughhisspectacles。
　　"Thisisverypeculiar，"saidtheTailorofGloucester，andheliftedupthetea—cupwhichwasupsidedown。
　　Outsteppedalittleliveladymouse，andmadeacourtesytothetailor!
　　Thenshehoppedawaydownoffthedresser，andunderthewainscot。
　　Thetailorsatdownagainbythefire，warminghispoorcoldhands。
　　Butallatonce，fromthedresser，therecameotherlittlenoises——
　　Tiptap，tiptap，tiptaptip!
　　"Thisispassingextraordinary!"
　　saidtheTailorofGloucester，andturnedoveranothertea—cup，whichwasupsidedown。
　　Outsteppedalittlegentlemanmouse，andmadeabowtothetailor!
　　Andoutfromundertea—cupsandfromunderbowlsandbasins，steppedotherandmorelittlemice，whohoppedawaydownoffthedresserandunderthewainscot。
　　Thetailorsatdown，closeoverthefire，lamenting："One—and—twentybuttonholesofcherry—colouredsilk!
　　TobefinishedbynoonofSaturday：
　　andthisisTuesdayevening。Wasitrighttoletloosethosemice，undoubtedlythepropertyofSimpkin？
　　Alack，Iamundone，forIhavenomoretwist!"
　　Thelittlemicecameoutagainandlistenedtothetailor；theytooknoticeofthepatternofthatwonderfulcoat。
　　Theywhisperedtooneanotheraboutthetaffetaliningandaboutlittlemousetippets。
　　Andthensuddenlytheyallranawaytogetherdownthepassagebehindthewainscot，squeakingandcallingtooneanotherastheyranfromhousetohouse。
　　Notonemousewasleftinthetailor’skitchenwhenSimpkincameback。Hesetdownthepipkinofmilkuponthedresser，andlookedsuspiciouslyatthetea—cups。Hewantedhissupperoflittlefatmouse!
　　"Simpkin，"saidthetailor，"whereismyTWIST？"
　　ButSimpkinhidalittleparcelprivatelyinthetea—pot，andspitandgrowledatthetailor；andifSimpkinhadbeenabletotalk，hewouldhaveasked："WhereismyMOUSE？"
　　"Alack，Iamundone!"saidtheTailorofGloucester，andwentsadlytobed。
　　AllthatnightlongSimpkinhuntedandsearchedthroughthekitchen，peepingintocupboardsandunderthewainscot，andintothetea—potwherehehadhiddenthattwist；butstillhefoundneveramouse!
　　Thepooroldtailorwasveryillwithafever，tossingandturninginhisfour—postbed；andstillinhisdreamshemumbled："Nomoretwist!nomoretwist!"
　　Whatshouldbecomeofthecherry—
　　colouredcoat？Whoshouldcometosewit，whenthewindowwasbarred，andthedoorwasfastlocked？
　　Out—of—doorsthemarketfolkswenttrudgingthroughthesnowtobuytheirgeeseandturkeys，andtobaketheirChristmaspies；buttherewouldbenodinnerforSimpkinandthepooroldtailorofGloucester。
　　Thetailorlayillforthreedaysandnights；andthenitwasChristmasEve，andverylateatnight。AndstillSimpkinwantedhismice，andmewedashestoodbesidethefour—postbed。
　　ButitisintheoldstorythatallthebeastscantalkinthenightbetweenChristmasEveandChristmasDayinthemorning（thoughthereareveryfewfolkthatcanhearthem，orknowwhatitisthattheysay）。
　　WhentheCathedralclockstrucktwelvetherewasananswer——likeanechoofthechimes——andSimpkinheardit，andcameoutofthetailor’sdoor，andwanderedaboutinthesnow。
　　FromalltheroofsandgablesandoldwoodenhousesinGloucestercameathousandmerryvoicessingingtheoldChristmasrhymes——alltheoldsongsthateverIheardof，andsomethatIdon’tknow，likeWhittington’sbells。
　　UnderthewoodeneavesthestarlingsandsparrowssangofChristmaspies；thejackdawswokeupintheCathedraltower；andalthoughitwasthemiddleofthenightthethrostlesandrobinssang；andairwasquitefulloflittletwitteringtunes。
　　ButitwasallratherprovokingtopoorhungrySimpkin。
　　Fromthetailor’sshipinWestgatecameaglowoflight；andwhenSimpkincreptuptopeepinatthewindowitwasfullofcandles。Therewasasnippetingofscissors，andsnappetingofthread；andlittlemousevoicessangloudlyandgaily：
　　"Four—and—twentytailorsWenttocatchasnail，ThebestmanamongstthemDurstnottouchhertail；
　　SheputoutherhornsLikealittlekyloecow。
　　Run，tailors，run!
　　Orshe’llhaveyoualle’ennow!"
　　Thenwithoutapausethelittlemousevoiceswentonagain：
　　"Sievemylady’soatmeal，Grindmylady’sflour，Putitinachestnut，Letitstandanhour——"
　　"Mew!Mew!"interruptedSimpkin，andhescratchedatthedoor。Butthekeywasunderthetailor’spillow；hecouldnotgetin。
　　Thelittlemiceonlylaughed，andtriedanothertune——
　　"Threelittlemicesatdowntospin，Pussypassedbyandshepeepedin。
　　Whatareyouat，myfinelittlemen？
　　Makingcoatsforgentlemen。
　　ShallIcomeinandcutoffyoursthreads？
　　Oh，no，MissPussy，You’dbiteoffourheads!"
　　"Mew!scratch!scratch!"scuffledSimpkinonthewindow—sill；whilethelittlemiceinsidesprangtotheirfeet，andallbegantoshoutallatonceinlittletwitteringvoices："Nomoretwist!Nomoretwist!"Andtheybarredupthewindow—shuttersandshutoutSimpkin。
　　Simpkincameawayfromtheshopandwenthomeconsideringinhismind。Hefoundthepooroldtailorwithoutfever，sleepingpeacefully。
　　ThenSimpkinwentontip—toeandtookalittleparcelofsilkoutofthetea—pot；andlookedatitinthemoonlight；andhefeltquiteashamedofhisbadnesscomparedwiththosegoodlittlemice!
　　Whenthetailorawokeinthemorning，thefirstthingwhichhesaw，uponthepatchworkquilt，wasaskeinofcherry—colouredtwistedsilk，andbesidehisbedstoodtherepentantSimpkin!
　　Thesunwasshiningonthesnowwhenthetailorgotupanddressed，andcameoutintothestreetwithSimpkinrunningbeforehim。
　　"Alack，"saidthetailor，"Ihavemytwist；butnomorestrength——nortime——thanwillservetomakemeonesinglebuttonhole；forthisisChristmasDayintheMorning!TheMayorofGloucestershallbemarriedbynoon——andwhereishischerry—
　　colouredcoat？"
　　HeunlockedthedoorofthelittleshopinWestgateStreet，andSimpkinranin，likeacatthatexpectssomething。
　　Buttherewasnoonethere!Notevenonelittlebrownmouse!
　　Butuponthetable——ohjoy!thetailorgaveashout——there，wherehehadleftplaincuttingsofsilk——therelaythemostbeautifulcoatandembroideredsatinwaistcoatthateverwerewornbyaMayorofGloucester!
　　Everythingwasfinishedexceptjustonesinglecherry—colouredbuttonhole，andwherethatbuttonholewaswantingtherewaspinnedascrapofpaperwiththesewords——inlittleteenyweenywriting——
　　NOMORETWIST。
　　AndfromthenbegantheluckoftheTailorofGloucester；hegrewquitestout，andhegrewquiterich。
　　HemadethemostwonderfulwaistcoatsforalltherichmerchantsofGloucester，andforallthefinegentlemenofthecountryround。
　　Neverwereseensuchruffles，orsuchembroideredcuffsandlappets!
　　Buthisbuttonholeswerethegreatesttriumphofitall。
　　Thestitchesofthosebuttonholesweresoneat——SOneat——Iwonderhowtheycouldbestitchedbyanoldmaninspectacles，withcrookedoldfingers，andatailor’sthimble。
　　Thestitchesofthosebuttonholesweresosmall——SOsmall——theylookedasiftheyhadbeenmadebylittlemice!
　　THETALEOF
　　SQUIRRELNUTKIN
　　[AStoryforNorah]
　　ThisisaTaleaboutatail——atailthatbelongedtoalittleredsquirrel，andhisnamewasNutkin。
　　HehadabrothercalledTwinkleberry，andagreatmanycousins：theylivedinawoodattheedgeofalake。
　　Inthemiddleofthelakethereisanislandcoveredwithtreesandnutbushes；andamongstthosetreesstandsahollowoak—tree，whichisthehouseofanowlwhoiscalledOldBrown。
　　Oneautumnwhenthenutswereripe，andtheleavesonthehazelbushesweregoldenandgreen——
　　NutkinandTwinkleberryandalltheotherlittlesquirrelscameoutofthewood，anddowntotheedgeofthelake。
　　Theymadelittleraftsoutoftwigs，andtheypaddledawayoverthewatertoOwlIslandtogathernuts。
　　Eachsquirrelhadalittlesackandalargeoar，andspreadouthistailforasail。
　　TheyalsotookwiththemanofferingofthreefatmiceasapresentforOldBrown，andputthemdownuponhisdoor—step。
　　ThenTwinkleberryandtheotherlittlesquirrelseachmadealowbow，andsaidpolitely——
　　"OldMr。Brown，willyoufavouruswithpermissiontogathernutsuponyourisland？"
　　ButNutkinwasexcessivelyimpertinentinhismanners。HebobbedupanddownlikealittleredCHERRY，singing——
　　"Riddleme，riddleme，rot—tot—tote!
　　Alittleweeman，inaredredcoat!
　　Astaffinhishand，andastoneinhisthroat；
　　Ifyou’lltellmethisriddle，I’llgiveyouagroat。"
　　Nowthisriddleisasoldasthehills；
　　Mr。BrownpaidnoattentionwhatevertoNutkin。
　　Heshuthiseyesobstinatelyandwenttosleep。
　　Thesquirrelsfilledtheirlittlesackswithnuts，andsailedawayhomeintheevening。
　　ButnextmorningtheyallcamebackagaintoOwlIsland；andTwinkleberryandtheothersbroughtafinefatmole，andlaiditonthestoneinfrontofOldBrown’sdoorway，andsaid——
　　"Mr。Brown，willyoufavouruswithyourgraciouspermissiontogathersomemorenuts？"
　　ButNutkin，whohadnorespect，begantodanceupanddown，ticklingoldMr。BrownwithaNETTLEandsinging——
　　"OldMr。B!Riddle—me—ree!
　　HittyPittywithinthewall，HittyPittywithoutthewall；
　　IfyoutouchHittyPitty，HittyPittywillbiteyou!"
　　Mr。Brownwokeupsuddenlyandcarriedthemoleintohishouse。
　　HeshutthedoorinNutkin’sface。
　　PresentlyalittlethreadofblueSMOKE
　　fromawoodfirecameupfromthetopofthetree，andNutkinpeepedthroughthekey—holeandsang——
　　"Ahousefull，aholefull!
　　Andyoucannotgatherabowl—full!"
　　Thesquirrelssearchedfornutsallovertheislandandfilledtheirlittlesacks。
　　ButNutkingatheredoak—apples——
　　yellowandscarlet——andsatuponabeech—stumpplayingmarbles，andwatchingthedoorofoldMr。Brown。
　　Onthethirddaythesquirrelsgotupveryearlyandwentfishing；theycaughtsevenfatminnowsasapresentforOldBrown。
　　TheypaddledoverthelakeandlandedunderacrookedchestnuttreeonOwlIsland。
　　Twinkleberryandsixotherlittlesquirrelseachcarriedafatminnow；
　　butNutkin，whohadnonicemanners，broughtnopresentatall。
　　Heraninfront，singing——
　　"Themaninthewildernesssaidtome，`Howmaystrawberriesgrowinthesea？’
　　IansweredhimasIthoughtgood——
　　`Asmanyredherringsasgrowinthewood。"’
　　ButoldMr。Browntooknointerestinriddles——notevenwhentheanswerwasprovidedforhim。
　　Onthefourthdaythesquirrelsbroughtapresentofsixfatbeetles，whichwereasgoodasplumsinPLUM—PUDDINGforOldBrown。Eachbeetlewaswrappedupcarefullyinadockleaf，fastenedwithapine—needle—
　　pin。
　　ButNutkinsangasrudelyasever——
　　"OldMr。B!riddle—me—ree!
　　FlourofEngland，fruitofSpain，Mettogetherinashowerofrain；
　　Putinabagtiedroundwithastring，Ifyou’lltellmethisriddle，I’llgiveyouaring!"
　　WhichwasridiculousofNutkin，becausehehadnotgotanyringtogivetoOldBrown。
　　Theothersquirrelshuntedupanddownthenutbushes；butNutkingatheredrobin’spin—cushionsoffabriarbush，andstuckthemfullofpine—needle—pins。
　　Onthefifthdaythesquirrelsbroughtapresentofwildhoney；itwassosweetandstickythattheylickedtheirfingersastheyputitdownuponthestone。TheyhadstolenitoutofabumbleBEES’nestonthetippitytopofthehill。
　　ButNutkinskippedupanddown，singing——
　　"Hum—a—bum!buzz!buzz!Hum—a—bumbuzz!
　　AsIwentoverTipple—tineImetaflockofbonnyswine；
　　Someyellow—nacked，someyellowbacked!
　　TheyweretheverybonniestswineThate’erwentovertheTipple—tine。"
　　OldMr。BrownturneduphiseyesindisgustattheimpertinenceofNutkin。
　　Butheateupthehoney!
　　Thesquirrelsfilledtheirlittlesackswithnuts。
　　ButNutkinsatuponabigflatrock，andplayedninepinswithacrabappleandgreenfir—cones。
　　Onthesixthday，whichwasSaturday，thesquirrelscameagainforthelasttime；theybroughtanew—laidEGGinalittlerushbasketasalastpartingpresentforOldBrown。
　　ButNutkinraninfrontlaughing，andshouting——
　　"HumptyDumptyliesinthebeck，Withawhitecounterpaneroundhisneck，Fortydoctorsandfortywrights，CannotputHumptyDumptytorights!"
　　NowoldMr。Browntookaninterestineggs；heopenedoneeyeandshutitagain。Butstillhedidnotspeak。
　　Nutkinbecamemoreandmoreimpertinent——
　　"OldMr。B!OldMr。B!
　　Hickamore，Hackamore，ontheKing’skitchendoor；
　　AlltheKing’shorses，andalltheKing’smen，Couldn’tdriveHickamore，Hackamore，OfftheKing’skitchendoor!"
　　NutkindancedupanddownlikeaSUNBEAM；butstillOldBrownsaidnothingatall。
　　Nutkinbeganagain——
　　"AuthurO’Bowerhasbrokenhisband，Hecomesroaringuptheland!
　　TheKingofScotswithallhispower，CannotturnArthuroftheBower!"
　　NutkinmadeawhirringnoisetosoundliketheWIND，andhetookarunningjumprightontotheheadofOldBrown!……
　　Thenallatoncetherewasafluttermentandascufflementandaloud"Squeak!"
　　Theothersquirrelsscutteredawayintothebushes。
　　Whentheycamebackverycautiously，peepingroundthetree——
　　therewasOldBrownsittingonhisdoor—step，quitestill，withhiseyesclosed，asifnothinghadhappened。
　　********
　　BUTNUTKINWASINHISWAISTCOATPOCKET!
　　Thislooksliketheendofthestory；
　　butitisn’t。
　　OldBrowncarriedNutkinintohishouse，andheldhimupbythetail，intendingtoskinhim；butNutkinpulledsoveryhardthathistailbrokeintwo，andhedashedupthestaircase，andescapedoutoftheatticwindow。
　　Andtothisday，ifyoumeetNutkinupatreeandaskhimariddle，hewillthrowsticksatyou，andstamphisfeetandscold，andshout——
　　"Cuck—cuck—cuck—cur—r—r—cuck—k!"
　　THETALEOF
　　BENJAMINBUNNY
　　[FortheChildrenofSawreyfromOldMr。Bunny]
　　Onemorningalittlerabbitsatonabank。
　　Heprickedhisearsandlistenedtothetrit—trot，trit—trotofapony。
　　Agigwascomingalongtheroad；itwasdrivenbyMr。McGregor，andbesidehimsatMrs。McGregorinherbestbonnet。
　　Assoonastheyhadpassed，littleBenjaminBunnysliddownintotheroad，andsetoff——withahop，skip，andajump——tocalluponhisrelations，wholivedinthewoodatthebackofMr。McGregor’sgarden。
　　Thatwoodwasfullofrabbitholes；
　　andintheneatest，sandiestholeofalllivedBenjamin’sauntandhiscousins——Flopsy，Mopsy，Cotton—tail，andPeter。
　　OldMrs。Rabbitwasawidow；sheearnedherlivingbyknittingrabbit—woolmittensandmuffatees（I
　　onceboughtapairatabazaar）。Shealsosoldherbs，androsemarytea，andrabbit—tobacco（whichiswhatwecalllavender）。
　　LittleBenjamindidnotverymuchwanttoseehisAunt。
　　Hecameroundthebackofthefir—
　　tree，andnearlytumbleduponthetopofhisCousinPeter。
　　Peterwassittingbyhimself。Helookedpoorly，andwasdressedinaredcottonpocket—handkerchief。
　　"Peter，"saidlittleBenjamin，inawhisper，"whohasgotyourclothes？"
　　Peterreplied，"ThescarecrowinMr。
　　McGregor’sgarden，"anddescribedhowhehadbeenchasedaboutthegarden，andhaddroppedhisshoesandcoat。
　　LittleBenjaminsatdownbesidehiscousinandassuredhimthatMr。
　　McGregorhadgoneoutinagig，andMrs。McGregoralso；andcertainlyfortheday，becauseshewaswearingherbestbonnet。
　　Petersaidhehopedthatitwouldrain。
　　AtthispointoldMrs。Rabbit’svoicewasheardinsidetherabbithole，calling："Cotton—tail!Cotton—tail!fetchsomemorecamomile!"
　　Petersaidhethoughthemightfeelbetterifhewentforawalk。
　　Theywentawayhandinhand，andgotupontheflattopofthewallatthebottomofthewood。FromheretheylookeddownintoMr。McGregor’sgarden。Peter’scoatandshoeswereplainlytobeseenuponthescarecrow，toppedwithanoldtam—o’—shanterofMr。McGregor’s。
　　LittleBenjaminsaid："Itspoilspeople’sclothestosqueezeunderagate；theproperwaytogetinistoclimbdownapear—tree。"
　　Peterfelldownheadfirst；butitwasofnoconsequence，asthebedbelowwasnewlyrakedandquitesoft。
　　Ithadbeensownwithlettuces。
　　Theyleftagreatmanyoddlittlefootmarksalloverthebed，especiallylittleBenjamin，whowaswearingclogs。
　　LittleBenjaminsaidthatthefirstthingtobedonewastogetbackPeter’sclothes，inorderthattheymightbeabletousethepocket—
　　handkerchief。
　　Theytookthemoffthescarecrow。
　　Therehadbeenrainduringthenight；
　　therewaswaterintheshoes，andthecoatwassomewhatshrunk。
　　Benjamintriedonthetam—o’—
　　shanter，butitwastoobigforhim。
　　Thenhesuggestedthattheyshouldfillthepocket—handkerchiefwithonions，asalittlepresentforhisAunt。
　　Peterdidnotseemtobeenjoyinghimself；hekepthearingnoises。
　　Benjamin，onthecontrary，wasperfectlyathome，andatealettuceleaf。HesaidthathewasinthehabitofcomingtothegardenwithhisfathertogetlettucesfortheirSundaydinner。
　　（ThenameoflittleBenjamin’spapawasoldMr。BenjaminBunny。）
　　Thelettucescertainlywereveryfine。
　　Peterdidnoteatanything；hesaidheshouldliketogohome。Presentlyhedroppedhalftheonions。
　　LittleBenjaminsaidthatitwasnotpossibletogetbackupthepear—treewithaloadofvegetables。Heledthewayboldlytowardstheotherendofthegarden。Theywentalongalittlewalkonplanks，underasunny，redbrickwall。
　　Themicesatontheirdoorstepscrackingcherry—stones；theywinkedatPeterRabbitandlittleBenjaminBunny。
　　PresentlyPeterletthepocket—
　　handkerchiefgoagain。
　　Theygotamongstflower—pots，andframes，andtubs。Peterheardnoisesworsethanever；hiseyeswereasbigaslolly—pops!
　　Hewasasteportwoinfrontofhiscousinwhenhesuddenlystopped。
　　Thisiswhatthoselittlerabbitssawroundthatcorner!
　　LittleBenjamintookonelook，andthen，inhalfaminutelessthannotime，hehidhimselfandPeterandtheonionsunderneathalargebasket……
　　Thecatgotupandstretchedherself，andcameandsniffedatthebasket。
　　Perhapsshelikedthesmellofonions!
　　Anyway，shesatdownuponthetopofthebasket。
　　ShesatthereforFIVEHOURS。
　　IcannotdrawyouapictureofPeterandBenjaminunderneaththebasket，becauseitwasquitedark，andbecausethesmellofonionswasfearful；itmadePeterRabbitandlittleBenjamincry。
　　Thesungotroundbehindthewood，anditwasquitelateintheafternoon；butstillthecatsatuponthebasket。
　　Atlengththerewasapitter—patter，pitter—patter，andsomebitsofmortarfellfromthewallabove。
　　ThecatlookedupandsawoldMr。
　　BenjaminBunnyprancingalongthetopofthewalloftheupperterrace。
　　Hewassmokingapipeofrabbit—
　　tobacco，andhadalittleswitchinhishand。
　　Hewaslookingforhisson。
　　OldMr。Bunnyhadnoopinionwhateverofcats。Hetookatremendousjumpoffthetopofthewallontothetopofthecat，andcuffeditoffthebasket，andkickeditintothegreenhouse，scratchingoffahandfuloffur。
　　Thecatwastoomuchsurprisedtoscratchback。
　　WhenoldMr。Bunnyhaddriventhecatintothegreenhouse，helockedthedoor。
　　ThenhecamebacktothebasketandtookouthissonBenjaminbytheears，andwhippedhimwiththelittleswitch。
　　ThenhetookouthisnephewPeter。
　　Thenhetookoutthehandkerchiefofonions，andmarchedoutofthegarden。
　　WhenMr。McGregorreturnedabouthalfanhourlaterheobservedseveralthingswhichperplexedhim。
　　Itlookedasthoughsomepersonhadbeenwalkingalloverthegardeninapairofclogs——onlythefootmarksweretooridiculouslylittle!
　　AlsohecouldnotunderstandhowthecatcouldhavemanagedtoshutherselfupINSIDEthegreenhouse，lockingthedoorupontheOUTSIDE。
　　WhenPetergothomehismotherforgavehim，becauseshewassogladtoseethathehadfoundhisshoesandcoat。Cotton—tailandPeterfoldedupthepocket—handkerchief，andoldMrs。
　　Rabbitstrunguptheonionsandhungthemfromthekitchenceiling，withthebenchesofherbsandtherabbit—
　　tobacco。
　　THETALEOF
　　TWOBADMICE
　　[ForW。M。L。W。，theLittleGirlWhoHadtheDoll’sHouse]
　　Onceuponatimetherewasaverybeautifuldoll’s—house；itwasredbrickwithwhitewindows，andithadrealmuslincurtainsandafrontdoorandachimney。
　　ItbelongedtotwoDollscalledLucindaandJane；atleastitbelongedtoLucinda，butsheneverorderedmeals。
　　JanewastheCook；butsheneverdidanycooking，becausethedinnerhadbeenboughtready—made，inaboxfullofshavings。
　　Thereweretworedlobstersandaham，afish，apudding，andsomepearsandoranges。
　　Theywouldnotcomeofftheplates，buttheywereextremelybeautiful。
　　OnemorningLucindaandJanehadgoneoutforadriveinthedoll’sperambulator。Therewasnooneinthenursery，anditwasveryquiet。
　　Presentlytherewasalittlescuffling，scratchingnoiseinacornernearthefireplace，wheretherewasaholeundertheskirting—board。
　　TomThumbputouthisheadforamoment，andthenpoppeditinagain。
　　TomThumbwasamouse。
　　Aminuteafterwards，HuncaMunca，hiswife，putherheadout，too；andwhenshesawthattherewasnooneinthenursery，sheventuredoutontheoilclothunderthecoal—box。
　　Thedoll’s—housestoodattheothersideofthefire—place。TomThumbandHuncaMuncawentcautiouslyacrossthehearthrug。Theypushedthefrontdoor——itwasnotfast。
　　TomThumbandHuncaMuncawentupstairsandpeepedintothedining—room。Thentheysqueakedwithjoy!
　　Suchalovelydinnerwaslaidoutuponthetable!Thereweretinspoons，andleadknivesandforks，andtwodolly—chairs——allSO
　　convenient!
　　TomThumbsettoworkatoncetocarvetheham。Itwasabeautifulshinyyellow，streakedwithred。
　　Theknifecrumpledupandhurthim；heputhisfingerinhismouth。
　　"Itisnotboiledenough；itishard。
　　Youhaveatry，HuncaMunca。"
　　HuncaMuncastoodupinherchair，andchoppedatthehamwithanotherleadknife。
　　"It’sashardasthehamsatthecheesemonger’s，"saidHuncaMunca。
　　Thehambrokeofftheplatewithajerk，androlledunderthetable。
　　"Letitalone，"saidTomThumb；
　　"givemesomefish，HuncaMunca!"
　　HuncaMuncatriedeverytinspooninturn；thefishwasgluedtothedish。
　　ThenTomThumblosthistemper。
　　Heputthehaminthemiddleofthefloor，andhititwiththetongsandwiththeshovel——bang，bang，smash，smash!
　　Thehamflewallintopieces，forunderneaththeshinypaintitwasmadeofnothingbutplaster!
　　ThentherewasnoendtotherageanddisappointmentofTomThumbandHuncaMunca。Theybrokeupthepudding，thelobsters，thepearsandtheoranges。
　　Asthefishwouldnotcomeofftheplate，theyputitintothered—hotcrinklypaperfireinthekitchen；butitwouldnotburneither。
　　TomThumbwentupthekitchenchimneyandlookedoutatthetop——
　　therewasnosoot。
　　WhileTomThumbwasupthechimney，HuncaMuncahadanotherdisappointment。Shefoundsometinycanistersuponthedresser，labelled——
　　Rice——Coffee——Sago——butwhensheturnedthemupsidedown，therewasnothinginsideexceptredandbluebeads。
　　Thenthosemicesettoworktodoallthemischieftheycould——especiallyTomThumb!HetookJane’sclothesoutofthechestofdrawersinherbedroom，andhethrewthemoutofthetopfloorwindow。
　　ButHuncaMuncahadafrugalmind。AfterpullinghalfthefeathersoutofLucinda’sbolster，sherememberedthatsheherselfwasinwantofafeatherbed。
　　WithTomThumbs’sassistanceshecarriedthebolsterdownstairs，andacrossthehearth—rug。Itwasdifficulttosqueezethebolsterintothemouse—
　　hole；buttheymanageditsomehow。
　　ThenHuncaMuncawentbackandfetchedachair，abook—case，abird—
　　cage，andseveralsmalloddsandends。Thebook—caseandthebird—
　　cagerefusedtogointothemousehole。
　　HuncaMuncaleftthembehindthecoal—box，andwenttofetchacradle。
　　HuncaMuncawasjustreturningwithanotherchair，whensuddenlytherewasanoiseoftalkingoutsideuponthelanding。Themicerushedbacktotheirhole，andthedollscameintothenursery。
　　WhatasightmettheeyesofJaneandLucinda!Lucindasatupontheupsetkitchenstoveandstared；andJaneleantagainstthekitchendresserandsmiled——butneitherofthemmadeanyremark。
　　Thebook—caseandthebird—cagewererescuedfromunderthecoal—
　　box——butHuncaMuncahasgotthecradle，andsomeofLucinda’sclothes。
　　Shealsohassomeusefulpotsandpans，andseveralotherthings。
　　Thelittlegirlthatthedoll’s—housebelongedto，said，——"Iwillgetadolldressedlikeapoliceman!"
　　Butthenursesaid，——"Iwillsetamouse—trap!"
　　SothatisthestoryofthetwoBadMice，——buttheywerenotsoveryverynaughtyafterall，becauseTomThumbpaidforeverythinghebroke。
　　Hefoundacrookedsixpenceunderthehearth—rug；anduponChristmasEve，heandHuncaMuncastuffeditintooneofthestockingsofLucindaandJane。
　　Andveryearlyeverymorning——
　　beforeanybodyisawake——HuncaMuncacomeswithherdust—panandherbroomtosweeptheDollies’house!
　　THETALEOF
　　MRS。TIGGY—WINKLE
　　[FortheRealLittleLucieofNewlands]
　　OnceuponatimetherewasalittlegirlcalledLucie，wholivedatafarmcalledLittle—town。Shewasagoodlittlegirl——onlyshewasalwayslosingherpocket—handkerchiefs!
　　OnedaylittleLuciecameintothefarm—yardcrying——oh，shedidcryso!
　　"I’velostmypocket—handkin!Threehandkinsandapinny!HaveYOUseenthem，TabbyKitten？"
　　TheKittenwentonwashingherwhitepaws；
　　soLucieaskedaspeckledhen——
　　"SallyHenny—penny，haveYOU
　　foundthreepocket—handkins？"
　　Butthespeckledhenranintoabarn，clucking——
　　"Igobarefoot，barefoot，barefoot!"
　　AndthenLucieaskedCockRobinsittingonatwig。CockRobinlookedsidewaysatLuciewithhisbrightblackeye，andheflewoverastileandaway。
　　LucieclimbeduponthestileandlookedupatthehillbehindLittle—
　　town——ahillthatgoesup——up——intothecloudsasthoughithadnotop!
　　Andagreatwayupthehillsideshethoughtshesawsomewhitethingsspreaduponthegrass。
　　Luciescrambledupthehillasfastashershortlegswouldcarryher；sheranalongasteeppath—way——upandup——untilLittle—townwasrightawaydownbelow——shecouldhavedroppedapebbledownthechimney!
　　Presentlyshecametoaspring，bubblingoutfromthehillside。
　　Someonehadstoodatincanuponastonetocatchthewater——butthewaterwasalreadyrunningover，forthecanwasnobiggerthananegg—
　　cup!Andwherethesanduponthepathwaswet——therewerefootmarksofaVERYsmallperson。
　　Lucieranon，andon。
　　Thepathendedunderabigrock。
　　Thegrasswasshortandgreen，andtherewereclothes—propscutfrombrackenstems，withlinesofplaitedrushes，andaheapoftinyclothespins——butnopocket—handkerchiefs!
　　Buttherewassomethingelse——adoor!straightintothehill；andinsideitsomeonewassinging——
　　"Lily—whiteandclean，oh!
　　Withlittlefrillsbetween，oh!
　　Smoothandhot—redrustyspotNeverherebeseen，oh!"
　　Lucieknocked—once—twice，andinterruptedthesong。Alittlefrightenedvoicecalledout"Who’sthat？"
　　Lucieopenedthedoor：andwhatdoyouthinktherewasinsidethehill？——anicecleankitchenwithaflaggedfloorandwoodenbeams——
　　justlikeanyotherfarmkitchen。OnlytheceilingwassolowthatLucie’sheadnearlytouchedit；andthepotsandpansweresmall，andsowaseverythingthere。
　　Therewasanicehotsingeysmell；
　　andatthetable，withanironinherhand，stoodaverystoutshortpersonstaringanxiouslyatLucie。
　　Herprintgownwastuckedup，andshewaswearingalargeapronoverherstripedpetticoat。Herlittleblacknosewentsniffle，sniffle，snuffle，andhereyeswenttwinkle，twinkle；andunderneathhercap—whereLuciehadyellowcurls—thatlittlepersonhadPRICKLES!
　　"Whoareyou？"saidLucie。"Haveyouseenmypocket—handkins？"
　　Thelittlepersonmadeabob—
　　curtsey——"Ohyes，ifyouplease’m；mynameisMrs。Tiggy—winkle；ohyesifyouplease’m，I’manexcellentclear—
　　starcher!"Andshetooksomethingoutoftheclothesbasket，andspreaditontheironing—blanket。
　　"What’sthatthing？"saidLucie—
　　"that’snotmypocket—handkin？"
　　"Ohno，ifyouplease’m；that’salittlescarletwaist—coatbelongingtoCockRobin!"
　　Andsheironeditandfoldedit，andputitononeside。
　　Thenshetooksomethingelseoffaclothes—horse——"Thatisn’tmypinny？"
　　saidLucie。
　　"Ohno，ifyouplease’m；that’sadamasktable—clothbelongingtoJennyWren；lookhowit’sstainedwithcurrantwine!It’sverybadtowash!"
　　saidMrs。Tiggy—winkle。
　　Mrs。Tiggy—winkle’snosewentsnifflesnifflesnuffle，andhereyeswenttwinkletwinkle；andshefetchedanotherhotironfromthefire。
　　"There’soneofmypocket—
　　handkins!"criedLucie——"andthere’smypinny!"
　　Mrs。Tiggy—winkleironedit，andgofferedit，andshookoutthefrills。
　　"OhthatISlovely!"saidLucie。
　　"Andwhatarethoselongyellowthingswithfingerslikegloves？"
　　"Ohthat’sapairofstockingsbelongingtoSallyHenny—penny——lookhowshe’sworntheheelsoutwithscratchingintheyard!She’llverysoongobarefoot!"saidMrs。Tiggy—winkle。
　　"Why，there’sanotherhankersniff——
　　butitisn’tmine；it’sred？"
　　"Ohno，ifyouplease’m；thatonebelongstooldMrs。Rabbit；anditDID
　　sosmellofonions!I’vehadtowashitseparately，Ican’tgetoutthatsmell。"
　　"There’sanotheroneofmine，"saidLucie。
　　"Whatarethosefunnylittlewhitethings？"
　　"That’sapairofmittensbelongingtoTabbyKitten；Ionlyhavetoironthem；shewashesthemherself。"
　　"There’smylastpocket—handkin!"
　　saidLucie。
　　"Andwhatareyoudippingintothebasinofstarch？"
　　"They’relittledickyshirt—frontsbelongingtoTomTitmouse——mostterribleparticular!"saidMrs。Tiggy—
　　winkle。"NowI’vefinishedmyironing；
　　I’mgoingtoairsomeclothes。"
　　"Whatarethesedearsoftfluffythings？"saidLucie。
　　"OhthosearewoollycoatsbelongingtothelittlelambsatSkelghyl。"
　　"Willtheirjacketstakeoff？"askedLucie。
　　"Ohyes，ifyouplease’m；lookatthesheep—markontheshoulder。Andhere’sonemarkedforGatesgarth，andthreethatcomefromLittle—town。
　　They’reALWAYSmarkedatwashing!"
　　saidMrs。Tiggy—winkle。
　　Andshehungupallsortsandsizesofclothes——smallbrowncoatsofmice；andonevelvetyblackmoleskinwaist—coat；andaredtail—coatwithnotailbelongingtoSquirrelNutkin；
　　andaverymuchshrunkbluejacketbelongingtoPeterRabbit；andapetticoat，notmarked，thathadgonelostinthewashing——andatlastthebasketwasempty!
　　ThenMrs。Tiggy—winklemadetea——acupforherselfandacupforLucie。Theysatbeforethefireonabenchandlookedsidewaysatoneanother。Mrs。Tiggy—winkle’shand，holdingthetea—cup，wasveryverybrown，andveryverywrinklywiththesoap—suds；andallthroughhergownandhercap，therewereHAIRPINS
　　stickingwrongendout；sothatLuciedidn’tliketosittoonearher。
　　Whentheyhadfinishedtea，theytieduptheclothesinbundles；andLucie’spocket—handkerchiefswerefoldedupinsidehercleanpinny，andfastenedwithasilversafety—pin。
　　Andthentheymadeupthefirewithturf，andcameoutandlockedthedoor，andhidthekeyunderthedoor—sill。
　　ThenawaydownthehilltrottedLucieandMrs。Tiggy—winklewiththebundlesofclothes!
　　Allthewaydownthepathlittleanimalscameoutoftheferntomeetthem；theveryfirstthattheymetwerePeterRabbitandBenjaminBunny!
　　Andshegavethemtheirnicecleanclothes；andallthelittleanimalsandbirdsweresoverymuchobligedtodearMrs。Tiggy—winkle。
　　Sothatatthebottomofthehillwhentheycametothestile，therewasnothinglefttocarryexceptLucie’sonelittlebundle。
　　Luciescrambledupthestilewiththebundleinherhand；andthensheturnedtosay"Good—night，"andtothankthewasher—woman。——ButwhataVERYoddthing!Mrs。Tiggy—winklehadnotwaitedeitherforthanksorforthewashingbill!
　　Shewasrunningrunningrunningupthehill——andwherewasherwhitefrilledcap？andhershawl？andhergown—andherpetticoat？
　　AndHOWsmallshehadgrown——
　　andHOWbrown——andcoveredwithPRICKLES!
　　Why!Mrs。Tiggy—winklewasnothingbutaHEDGEHOG!
　　******
　　（NowsomepeoplesaythatlittleLuciehadbeenasleepuponthestile——butthenhowcouldshehavefoundthreecleanpocket—handkinsandapinny，pinnedwithasilversafety—pin？
　　Andbesides——IhaveseenthatdoorintothebackofthehillcalledCatBells——andbesides_I_amverywellacquaintedwithdearMrs。Tiggy—winkle!）
　　THEPIEAND
　　THEPATTY—PAN
　　Pussy—catsitsbythefire——howshouldshebefair？
　　Inwalksthelittledog——says"Pussyareyouthere？
　　HowdoyoudoMistressPussy？MistressPussy，howdoyoudo？"
　　"Ithankyoukindly，littledog，Ifareaswellasyou!"
　　_OldRhyme]
　　OnceuponatimetherewasaPussy—catcalledRibby，whoinvitedalittledogcalledDuchesstotea。
　　"Comeingoodtime，mydearDuchess，"saidRibby’sletter，"andwewillhavesomethingsoverynice。Iambakingitinapie—dish——apie—dishwithapinkrim。Younevertastedanythingsogood!AndYOUshalleatitall!_I_willeatmuffins，mydearDuchess!"wroteRibby。
　　"Iwillcomeverypunctually，mydearRibby，"wroteDuchess；andthenattheendsheadded——"Ihopeitisn’tmouse？"
　　Andthenshethoughtthatdidnotlookquitepolite；soshescratchedout"isn’tmouse"andchangeditto"I
　　hopeitwillbefine，"andshegaveherlettertothepostman。
　　ButshethoughtagreatdealaboutRibby’spie，andshereadRibby’sletteroverandoveragain。
　　"IamdreadfullyafraiditWILLbemouse!"saidDuchesstoherself——"I
　　reallycouldn’t，COULDN’Teatmousepie。AndIshallhavetoeatit，becauseitisaparty。AndMYpiewasgoingtobevealandham。Apinkandwhitepie—dish!andsoismine；justlikeRibby’sdishes；theywerebothboughtatTabithaTwitchit’s。"
　　Duchesswentintoherlarderandtookthepieoffashelfandlookedatit。
　　"Ohwhatagoodidea!Whyshouldn’tIrushalongandputmypieintoRibby’sovenwhenRibbyisn’tthere？"
　　RibbyinthemeantimehadreceivedDuchess’sanswer，andassoonasshewassurethatthelittledogwouldcome——shepoppedHERpieintotheoven。Thereweretwoovens，oneabovetheother；someotherknobsandhandleswereonlyornamentalandnotintendedtoopen。Ribbyputthepieintotheloweroven；thedoorwasverystiff。
　　"Thetopovenbakestooquickly，"
　　saidRibbytoherself。
　　Ribbyputonsomecoalandsweptupthehearth。Thenshewentoutwithacantothewell，forwatertofillupthekettle。
　　Thenshebegantosettheroominorder，foritwasthesitting—roomaswellasthekitchen。
　　WhenRibbyhadlaidthetableshewentoutdownthefieldtothefarm，tofetchmilkandbutter。
　　Whenshecameback，shepeepedintothebottomoven；thepielookedverycomfortable。
　　Ribbyputonhershawlandbonnetandwentoutagainwithabasket，tothevillageshoptobuyapacketoftea，apoundoflumpsugar，andapotofmarmalade。
　　Andjustatthesametime，DuchesscameoutofHERhouse，attheotherendofthevillage。
　　RibbymetDuchesshalf—waydownthestreet，alsocarryingabasket，coveredwithacloth。Theyonlybowedtooneanother；theydidnotspeak，becausetheyweregoingtohaveaparty。
　　AssoonasDuchesshadgotroundthecorneroutofsight——shesimplyran!StraightawaytoRibby’shouse!
　　Ribbywentintotheshopandboughtwhatsherequired，andcameout，afterapleasantgossipwithCousinTabithaTwitchit。
　　RibbywentontoTimothyBaker’sandboughtthemuffins。Thenshewenthome。
　　Thereseemedtobeasortofscufflingnoiseinthebackpassage，asshewascominginatthefrontdoor。