Just then a nut-shell dropped on her head, and, looking up, she saw Master Squirrel, who laughed at her surprise. Leaping a little nearer, he began:
"So you've returned, Miss Runaway! My mother said it would be too good luck to lose you in a hurry. She was sure we should see you before the sun went down."
"Then your mother doesn't like me?"
"O, yes! she says you're a cunning little body, and mean no harm; but, like all company, you make a great deal of trouble, and do no one any good, that she can see."
"What does your father say to that?"
"He takes your part; tells her he's ashamed that she is not more hospitable; and then they quarrel well, I tell you!"
"There shall be no more trouble on my account," said Minnie, with dignity. "I am going to live with my friends, the yellow-birds. I have bidden your father and mother good-by, and now good-by, squirrel; you have all been very kind to me."
"No we haven't, Minnie; and I have been rudest of all; and you, so good, to be satisfied with our poor home!"
"Dinner-time! plenty of checkerberry buds and juicy berries in the wood!" sang yellow-bird on a bough above. "Come, Minnie, come!"
"Good-by, squirrel! Yellow-bird, here I am."