“Indeed they are,” answered Rosebud; “how bright the flowers look after a shower! And the dear rain washes everything, you know.”
“Rainy days are good, I forgot about the flowers and things,” said Ray and then added quickly, “If you were not busy now you might play with me.”
“I’ll tell you a story,” said Rosebud, “if you would like to hear me.”
Ray was delighted to hear a story and sat very still while Rosebud began:—
Once upon a time there was a little brown mouse whose name was Nibble. He built himself a snug house not far from the coal-bin in a nice warm cellar. Every day he attended to his household duties, called at his grocery store (the pantry up-stairs) and then went out for a quiet walk. One day he met Mrs. Ratt, who lived across the street, and he stopped to have a friendly chat with her.
“How do you like your tenants?” asked Mrs. Ratt.
“Very much indeed,” replied Nibble. “They are so exclusive that they won’t even tolerate a cat. Of course that shows their good sense, because of all creatures I do dislike cats, they are so——”
“Grasping,” sneered Mrs. Ratt.
“Yes,” assented Nibble, “and nosy, if I may use a vulgar expression.”
“And sly,” quoth Mrs. Ratt, shaking her head.