"Tell me exactly how she looked," said Minnie.
"She wore a gown of pink muslin, and pink ribbons in her hair."
"O, that was my own mother! How I wish I had been in your place!"
"I wished so too. When she lifted her hand and took down a jar of sweetmeats, that stood close by the trap, I felt sure she'd see me, and have me killed. O, how I trembled! It was as much as ever I could do to keep from squeaking when I thought of my mate, and all the little ones."
"Was my mother alone?"
"No; a little boy came with her, and watched while she took the sweetmeats out into a dish. Before closing the jar, I saw her give him a taste of the delicious pine-apple."
"How did you know it was pine-apple?"
"O, after my mate had set me free, we waited to lap up a few drops that trickled down the side of the jar. We know the taste of good things! Was that boy your brother?"
"No; it was dear Franky, my playfellow, who lives at the other side of the fence. Didn't he say anything?"
"He asked the lady if she supposed Minnie was where she could have nice pine-apple for tea. I couldn't hear the answer, for they both left the pantry then."