And the seeds flew out in all directions. The stalk snapped, it is true; but the Poppy did not mind about that, for when one has provided for one's children, one has really nothing more to do in the world.
"Good-bye," said the Breeze, and would have run on farther.
"Wait a moment," said the Poppy. "Promise me first that you will not tell the others, else they might get hold of the same idea, and then there would be less room for my seeds."
"I am mute as the grave," answered the Breeze, running off.
"Ho! ho!" said the Harebell. "Haven't you time to do me a little, tiny service?"
"Well," said the Breeze, "what is it?"
"I merely wanted to ask you to give me a little shake," said the Harebell. "I have opened some trap-doors in my head, and I should like to have my seed sent a good way off into the world. But you musn't tell the others, or else they might think of doing the same thing."
"Oh! of course not," said the Breeze, laughing. "I shall be as dumb as a stone wall." And then she gave the flower a good shake and went on her way.
"Little Breeze, little Breeze," called the Dandelion, "whither away so fast?"
"Is there anything the matter with you, too?" asked the Breeze.