Of course he couldn't catch him, nor could Griselda either; very ready, though, she was to do her best. But it was great fun all the same, and the children laughed heartily and enjoyed themselves tremendously. And when they were tired they sat down again and gathered flowers for nosegays, and Griselda was surprised to find how clever Phil was about it. He was much quicker than she at spying out the prettiest blossoms, however hidden behind tree, or stone, or shrub. And he told her of all the best places for flowers near by, and where grew the largest primroses and the sweetest violets, in a way that astonished her. "You're such a little boy," she said; "how do you know so much about flowers?" "I've had no one else to play with," he said innocently. "And then, you know, the fairies are so fond of them." When Griselda thought it was time to go home, she led little Phil down the wood-path, and through the door in the wall opening on to the lane. "Now you can find your way home without scrambling through any more bushes, can't you, Master Phil?" she said. "Yes, thank you, and I'll come again to that place to-morrow afternoon, shall I?" asked Phil. "I'll know when--after I've had my dinner and raced three times round the big field, then it'll be time. That's how it was to-day." "I should think it would do if you _walked_ three times--or twice if you like--round the field. It isn't a good thing to race just when you've had your dinner," observed Griselda sagely. "And you mustn't try to come if it isn't fine, for my aunts won't let me go out if it rains even the tiniest bit. And of course you must ask your nurse's leave." "Very well," said little Phil as he trotted off. "I'll try to remember all those things. I'm so glad you'll play with me again; and if you see the cuckoo, please thank him." [Illustration] IX UP AND DOWN THE CHIMNEY [Illustration] "_Helper._ Well, but if it was all dream, it would be the same as if it was all real, would it not? _Keeper._ Yes, I see. I mean, Sir, I do _not_ see."--_A Liliput Revel._ _Not_ having "just had her dinner," and feeling very much inclined for her tea, Griselda ran home at a great rate. She felt, too, in such good spirits; it had been so delightful to have a companion in her play. "What a good thing it was I didn't make Phil run away before I found out what a nice little boy he was," she said to herself. "I must look out my old reading books to-night. I shall so like teaching him, poor little boy, and the cuckoo will be pleased at my doing something useful, I'm sure."