that he could see.
As he twinkled over the grass near the foot of a great oak tree, he
noticed something moving, and stopped to see what it was. The something
turned out to be a woodmouse, the prettiest little lady woodmouse that
ever was seen. She was sitting under a huge yellow toadstool, (very
different from the pink-lined mushroom which sheltered the three little
fairies,) feasting on acorns to her heart's content. Twinkle said it was
really astonishing to see how fast she cracked and ate them, throwing
the shells to right and left, and glancing about with her sharp black
eyes, in constant fear of some intruder. Presently she heard a rustling
among the leaves, and, anxious to make sure of her supper, she hastily
put two acorns into her mouth, cramming one into either cheek. Then she
sat up, and tried to look very dignified, as another little woodmouse,
as sleek and bright-eyed as herself, appeared upon the scene. He
evidently knew the little lady, for when he saw her he stopped and made
a low bow, pressing one paw on his heart in a most affecting manner.
Then advancing toward her, he said softly, 'Miss Woodmouse. I have been
searching for you all the evening, for I have been very anxious to see
you. I trust that my presence is not disagreeable to you, Miss
Woodmouse?' He paused for a reply, but none came, so he went on. 'Lovely
creature, I have long admired you, and thought you the fairest mouse I
ever gazed upon. The brightness of your eyes, the length of your tail,
the sharpness of your whiskers, all proclaim you the belle of the
forest. How happy should I be, if I could claim these charms for my
own! I have a very snug nest, lined with moss, and well stored with nuts
and acorns for the winter. Say, will you share that nest with me? Miss
Woodmouse, will you be mine? answer me, I implore you!'

[Illustration: MISS WOODMOUSE.]

"Poor little Miss Woodmouse! it was really pitiful to see her distress.
She could not speak, on account of the two acorns in her mouth; and she
was so ashamed of being greedy, that she did not dare to take them out.
So she just sat still and looked at the little gentleman, who in turn
sat and looked at her, much amazed at her silence.

"'Alas!' he said, 'am I so hateful to you that you will not even speak
to me? One word, Miss Woodmouse, to say that I may hope!' But not one
word could Miss Woodmouse say, though her long tail quivered with
emotion; and at length her little lover, fairly dis