and can only do little things. When they are idle and mischievous, they
are called Boggarts, and are a curse to the house they live in. When
they are useful and considerate, they are Brownies, and are a
much-coveted blessing. Sometimes the Blessed Brownies will take up
their abode with some worthy couple, cheer them with their romps and
merry laughter, tidy the house, find things that have been lost, and
take little troubles out of hands full of great anxieties. Then in time
these Little People are Brownies no longer. They grow up into men and
women. They do not care so much for dainties, play, or mischief. They
cease to jump and tumble, and roll about the house. They know more, and
laugh less. Then, when their heads begin to ache with anxiety, and they
have to labour for their own living, and the great cares of life come
on, other Brownies come and live with them, and take up their little
cares, and supply their little comforts, and make the house merry once
more."

"How nice!" said Tommy.

"Very nice," said the Old Owl. "But what"--and she shook herself more
fiercely than ever, and glared so that Tommy expected nothing less than
that her eyes would set fire to her feathers and she would be burnt
alive. "But what must I say of the Boggarts? Those idle urchins who eat
the bread-and-milk, and don't do the work, who lie in bed without an
ache or pain to excuse them, who untidy instead of tidying, cause work
instead of doing it, and leave little cares to heap on big cares, till
the old people who support them are worn out altogether."

"Don't!" said Tommy. "I can't bear it."

"I hope when Boggarts grow into men," said the Old Owl, "that their