his misdeeds, and very imprudently shared her food and house with
him. It is true, that he promised very fair, and said he would work
for her, and that she should have nothing to do but just to eat, and
sleep, and play; and Downy (who did not think that such a pretty soft
creature could tell so many stories) believed all he said, and this
was the consequence of her imprudence.

"So you see, Alfred, that we must not always judge by appearances,
because I know rather a pretty creature, with bright blue eyes, who,
like Silket, can steal, and tell fibs, and who likes to play better
than learn a lesson and read." Alfred coloured up, for he knew all
along that his mother meant he was like Silket; so he felt a little
ashamed, and did not make any answer; and his mother continued her
story.

"Poor little Downy laid bewailing her sad misfortune in the cold damp
grass, determining never to go home to her little tyrant again, so
angry was she at his cruel conduct.--'Ah! foolish mouse that I was,
(said she), why did not I continue to live by myself when I was so
happy! I might have known how he would have behaved to me, but I will
never return to him, he may enjoy by himself that food which he loves
so much more than he does me, ungrateful that he is!' In this manner
she was uttering her complaints, when she heard a soft padding step
behind her, and a mournful noise made her turn round, and she beheld
her penitent Silket, (for it was him) who advancing with a sorrowful
air, humbly besought her forgiveness, and rubbed his velvet cheek in
an imploring manner against her's; his lively brown eyes were now
troubled, and very sorrowful. Downy could not resist his beseeching
looks, but forgave him for all his past offences, and took him once
more into favour, on his promising to be good in future and never to
bite her ears or tail again. Silket was very sorry for his late bad
behaviour, and he resolved to be very good and do so no more, for he
did love Downy very much, though he loved himself better. He
accompanied her home with great affection, and they were happier for
some weeks than they had ever been before; he was so attentive and
kind, and seemed to study only to please her; he spent day after day
in searching among the dry leaves in the garden for filberts; and when
he could not procure any thing else, he brought her crocus roots, and
carrots out of the garden.

One evening he had been out later than usual, he did not see Down