n the house."

Fifine forgot her shame in astonishment. She stared up in the old
gentleman's face, both her eyes and her mouth wide open.

"How do you know?" she exclaimed. "We were in the house--in our own
room. No one was there, and I know, sir, Madeleine has not seen you this
morning; besides," and here Fifine looked down again, "Madeleine would
not tell."

"No, you are right, Madeleine would not tell, and did not tell. A little
bird told me, my poor Fifine, and it was sad news for him to carry this
lovely morning," and shaking his head, the _cure_ turned and walked
slowly away.

"A little bird indeed," repeated five years old Fifine to herself
contemptuously. "That is what they tell babies. I know better. A little
bird only means 'somebody' told. Besides, there are no nests on that
side of the house. Who could it be? Mimi, tell me, don't be stupid now.
Who do you think it was?" and as Mimi made no reply, Fifine shook her,
which drew forth a plaintive squeak and a struggle to get out of her
mistress's arms. This made Fifine still more angry. She flung Mimi down,
the poor cat--for a worm will turn--glowered up at her, with a rather
ugly look in her green eyes, and slunk off.

[Illustration]

"I have it," exclaimed Fifine. "You nasty, mean, spiteful cat. It was
you who told. I remember you were on the window-sill, and then I didn't
see you any more, till I found you out here in the garden coming back
from your visit next door, no doubt! Ah, you may pretend it wasn't you.
You can't speak, but you can tell things all the same, and _Monsieur le
cure_ is clever enough to understand. Why, he has often told me he can
understand what his old dog Platon says by the way he wags his tail.
You, too, were the only person who saw me hit Madeleine. Mean cat; _but
I shall punish you_," and off dashed the indignant Fifine in pursuit of
Mimi.

The summer day passed quickly. Sweet-tempered Madeleine soon forgot the
offence she was only too ready to forgive, and in merry play with some
little friends, the troubles of the morning were quickly out of mind.
Tired with fun and excitement, Fifine fell asleep the moment her head
touched the pillow. She had slept several hours when she suddenly woke.
It was quite dark--the very middle of the summer night--at first not a
sound broke the silence. Then faintly, but distinctly, came through the
half-opened window a low piteous wail--again and again. Fifine sat up to
listen. There was no so