Pines--at least to
mortal vision she never went farther.

[Illustration: "LAURA THOUGHT SHE SAW A FAMILIAR OBJECT BEHIND A BUSH OF
SWEETBRIER."]

As they reached the limit of the woods, where Lady Idleways's carriage
was waiting, Laura thought she saw a familiar object partly hiding
behind a bush of sweetbrier. Kathie's eyes also turned in the same
direction, and she whispered to Laura, "Is that the Herb Elf, or is it
only a rabbit?"

"It is the elf. Look at his queue. I wonder what he wants? He seems to
be afraid of being noticed. Look! he is waving his cap to us, and then
he retreats behind the bush again."

"What is it detains you, children?" asked Lady Idleways; for both Kathie
and Laura lingered a little.

"The Herb Elf, mamma," whispered Laura.

"I see nothing but a rabbit, my dear."

"But it _is_ the elf, mamma. May I go speak to him? He may want to say
good-bye."

"Are you not afraid of his mischievous tricks?"

"He would not dare do any harm to me with you so near, mamma."

"Go, then; but do not let him urge you away out of my sight." Laura ran
to the bush of sweetbrier behind which the elf was hiding, at which he
capered and frisked about as if highly pleased.

"So you are going home, are you?" he asked.

"Yes, I am going, and Kathie is going with me. How could you let those
mosquitoes torment us so? The bites hurt yet. Look!" and she held out a
swollen finger.

At this the elf fumbled in his pockets, and drew out a peculiar-looking
ring. It seemed to be cut out of coral.

"There," said he, "this will make you believe me somewhat your friend.
Let me put it on that finger. See, the swelling goes down. While you
wear this, no insect can ever trouble you. Had you been ugly with me, I
should not have given you this. But you can have your choice between it
and your own blue ring. Which do you prefer?"

"Oh, yours, Mr. Elf, of course. Why, it's a real treasure."

"Of course it is; it came from China. Will you ever come to these woods
again?"

"I hope so. Good-bye, Mr. Elf, good-bye."

"Good-bye. You are a real little lady. Good-bye." And with any number of
twists and jerks and queer contortions, the rabbit-skin and its owner
disappeared in the forest.

Lady Idleways and Kathie looked at the elf's gift, and pronounced it a
very useful and pretty trinket. Then they all got in the carriage, and
turned their thoughts towards home.

It was late when they reached the castle; for the coachman los