.

"I suspect you have a cheat in the class," said the parrot.

"I hope not," replied Robin trustfully, and he walked into the castle
to partake of tea with his mother, who was alone, his father being far
away on government business.

Robin's mother was much interested in the progress of the
squirrel-class, not only as a pleasure and discipline for the pupils
themselves, but as helping to train her darling boy in patience and
kindness. These little creatures sometimes found their lessons
irksome, and being naturally frisky they would suddenly leap from their
seat and chase each other over a score of trees, while Robin entreated
and waited patiently for their return; but they were gradually getting
interested in their lessons and trained to attention and submission,
out of love for their teacher. Robin's mother also wished her boy to
learn the value of thoroughness. If he could observe that a pupil that
thoroughly understood the lessons would be able to do them alone,
whereas one that copied from others would fail when left alone, it
would stimulate thoroughness where he himself was a learner.

When Robin entered the room his mother was already seated and waiting
him. "Good evening, mother dear," he said, and he went forward and
kissed her. He loved his mother much, and well he might. We do not
love people for what they promise or give us, but for the heart that
lies behind. Bad people may give much for their own ends, but we do
not trust or love them. Robin's mother had a tenderness of heart that
warmed and enhanced the beauty of her face, so much so that her
servants and the poorest felt quite at home in her presence. She had
also refinement and intelligence, giving her a dignity that kept even
the rudest from being familiar and disrespectful. The Indians of the
district called her _Ininatig_, the maple tree, because they thought
her so sweet and beautiful. During tea there was much conversation
about Robin's father, and when it was over his mother said--

"I have a gift for your best pupil, and something for all of them, when
vacation comes."

"What are the gifts, mother?" Robin asked eagerly.

"A big white toy-horse for the first, a doll for the second, a
looking-glass for the third, a tall hat for the fourth, then a trumpet,
a small sword, a little ship, and so on, getting less and less in value
according to the pupil's merit."

Robin was delighted.

Next morning the twelve young friskies were