'When she had got so far,' continued Beechnut, 'she suddenly stopped. She saw me. The fact was, I was trying to move back a little farther, so as to be out of sight, and I made a little rustling, which she heard. The instant she saw me, she ran off the ice, and up her little path to the opening in the oak, and in a moment disappeared. Presently, however, I saw the fringe of moss moving again, and she began to peep out.
'"Beechnut," said she, "how came you here?"
'"Why, I was taking a walk," said I, "and I came along this path. Don't you want me to be here?"
'"No," said she.
'"Oh, then I will go away," said I. "But how came you to know me?"
'"Oh, I know you very well," said she. "Your name is Beechnut."
'"And do you know Malleville?" said I.
'"Yes," said she. "I know her very well. I like Malleville very much. I like her better than I do you."
'"Ah," said I; "I am sorry for that. Why do you like her better than you do me?"
'"Because she is a girl," said Agnes.