ar could not hear a
sound, nor could she see him any more. So she began to walk round the
butterfly's eggs, nibbling a bit of the cabbage-leaf now and then as she
moved along.

"What a time the lark has been gone!" she cried at last. "I wonder where
he is just now. He must have flown higher than usual this time. How I
should like to know where he goes, and what he hears in that curious
blue sky! He always sings going up and coming down, but he never lets
any secret out."

And the green caterpillar took another turn round the butterfly's eggs.

At last the lark's voice began to be heard again. The caterpillar almost
jumped for joy, and it was not long before she saw her friend descend
with hushed note to the cabbage bed.

"News, news, glorious news, friend caterpillar!" sang the lark, "but the
worst of it is, you won't believe me!"

"I believe anything I am told," said the caterpillar hastily.

"Well, then, first of all, I will tell you what those little creatures
are to eat"--and the lark nodded his head toward the eggs. "What do you
think it is to be? Guess!"

"Dew and honey out of the flowers, I am afraid!" sighed the caterpillar.

"No such thing, my good friend," cried the lark exultantly; "you are to
feed them with cabbage-leaves!"

"Never!" said the caterpillar indignantly.

"It was their mother's last request that I should feed them on dew and
honey."

"Their mother knew nothing about the matter," answered the lark; "but
why do you ask me, and then disbelieve what I say? You have neither
faith nor trust."

"Oh, I believe everything I am told," said the caterpillar.

"Nay, but you do not," replied the lark.

"Why, caterpillar, what do you think those little eggs will turn out to
be?"

"Butterflies, to be sure," said the caterpillar.

"CATERPILLARS!" sang the lark; "and you'll find it out in time." And the
lark flew away.

"I thought the lark was wise and kind," said the mild, green caterpillar
to herself, once more beginning to walk round the eggs, "but I find that
he is foolish and saucy instead. Perhaps he went up TOO high this time.
How I wonder what he sees, and what he does up yonder!"

"I would tell you if you would believe me," sang the lark, descending
once more.

"I believe everything I am told," answered the caterpillar.

"Then I'll tell you something else," cried the lark. "YOU WILL ONE DAY
BE A BUTTERFLY YOURSELF!"

"Wretched bird," exclaimed the caterpillar, "you are making