them; then rose and, having held them into the flame of the
lamp one after the other, turned to me. Her face was not so sad now as
stern. It frightened me much. `Nanny, you have got me into trouble,' she
said. `You have been letting out my bees, which it is all I can do to
manage. You have forced me to burn them. It is a great loss, and there
will be a storm.' As she spoke, the clouds had gathered all about us. I
could see them come crowding up white about the windows. `I am sorry to
find,' said the lady, `that you are not to be trusted. You must go home
again--you won't do for us.' Then came a great clap of thunder, and the
moon rocked and swayed. All grew dark about me, and I fell on the floor
and lay half-stunned. I could hear everything but could see nothing.
`Shall I throw her out of the door, my lady?' said the little man.
`No,' she answered; `she's not quite bad enough for that. I don't think
there's much harm in her; only she'll never do for us. She would make
dreadful mischief up here. She's only fit for the mud. It's a great
pity. I am sorry for her. Just take that ring off her finger. I am sadly
afraid she has stolen it.' The little man caught hold of my hand, and I
felt him tugging at the ring. I tried to speak what was true about it,
but, after a terrible effort, only gave a groan. Other things began to
come into my head. Somebody else had a hold of me. The little man wasn't
there. I opened my eyes at last, and saw the nurse. I had cried out in
my sleep, and she had come and waked me. But, Diamond, for all it was
only a dream, I cannot help being ashamed of myself yet for opening the
lady's box of bees."

"You wouldn't do it again--would you--if she were to take you back?"
said Diamond.

"No. I don't think anything would ever make me do it again. But where's
the good? I shall never have the chance."

"I don't know that," said Diamond.

"You silly baby! It was only a dream," said Nanny.

"I know that, Nanny, dear. But how can you tell you mayn't dream it
again?"

"That's not a bit likely."

"I don't know that," said Diamond.

"You're always saying that," said Nanny. "I don't like it."

"Then I won't say it again--if I don't forget." said Diamond. "But it
was such a beautiful dream!--wasn't it, Nanny? What a pity you opened
that door and let the bees out! You might have had such a long dream,
and such nice talks with the moon-lady. Do try to go again, Nanny. I do
so want to hear more."

But now t