nded on the south by England, on the east by the Ger----"

"Never mind the boundary," interrupted the Brownie with a
dainty, tinkling laugh, "we are not a Schoolmistress and her
Committee, and you needn't say your lesson now. It's enough for
us that you know where Scotland is,--the dear auld land o' cakes!
We're Scotch fairies--Brownies."

"But how came you here?" I asked.

"Oh! there's nothing odd about that; we follow our wandering
Sawnies wherever they go. We have all been interested with you in
Mr. Mayfield's accounts of insect life, and have been present at
many of your walks and talks when you little suspected such
company. Ah! we could give the Tenant some hints well worth
following up! Although, he does very well, very well indeed! But
we wish you to know that there are other tenants on the old farm
than those Mr. Mayfield knows. _We_ are here, you see! And,
alack-a-day! there are other folk here not so agreeable as we!"

"Many thanks," I said, "for the pleasure of your acquaintance. I
am delighted and honored by your action, Madam--Madam? what shall
I call you?"

"Fancy; Queen Fancy, if you please; so I am called, although, to
be sure, there is not much royal state among our folk."

"I beg your pardon, Madam Fancy! And now I--fancy that I can
explain the beautiful repose that lies over the face of Nature in
this royal month of June. I have just been meditating upon it
with delight. How peaceful, how lovely in their peacefulness are
all things around us! Yes, I see how it is! The good Brownies are
abroad upon the landscape, and they have thrown the light and
sweetness of their own natures upon these scenes. What a happy
people you are, free from all conflict and care, and how happy
those who feel the spell of your influence!"

"Oh! O-o-oh!" A chorus of exclamations uttered in a deprecating
tone broke from the whole Brownie company.

I started, and looked around surprised beyond measure at this
outburst of protesting voices. Then followed a moment of silence.

Queen Fancy spoke at last. "Yes, it is just as I supposed," she
said. "You are yet a novice in Nature lore. You have much to
learn, all you mortals have, ere you can know the true life of
the inferior creatures. There is another side to Nature, I assure
you, a very sad side, too. Come, I must teach you to read between
the lines!"