"LAURA THOUGHT SHE SAW A FAMILIAR OBJECT BEHIND A BUSH OF SWEETBRIER."
As they reached the limit of the woods, where Lady Idleways's carriage was waiting, Laura thought she saw a familiar object partly hiding behind a bush of sweetbrier. Kathie's eyes also turned in the same direction, and she whispered to Laura, "Is that the Herb Elf, or is it only a rabbit?"
"It is the elf. Look at his queue. I wonder what he wants? He seems to be afraid of being noticed. Look! he is waving his cap to us, and then he retreats behind the bush again."
"What is it detains you, children?" asked Lady Idleways; for both Kathie and Laura lingered a little.
"The Herb Elf, mamma," whispered Laura.
"I see nothing but a rabbit, my dear."
"But it is the elf, mamma. May I go speak to him? He may want to say good-bye."
"Are you not afraid of his mischievous tricks?"
"He would not dare do any harm to me with you so near, mamma."
"Go, then; but do not let him urge you away out of my sight." Laura ran to the bush of sweetbrier behind which the elf was hiding, at which he capered and frisked about as if highly pleased.