colored the image to resemble the real Shiegra.

The lioness placed her big, padded paws upon the edge of the table
and raised herself while she carefully examined the toy that was
her likeness.

"You are indeed skillful!" she said, proudly. "The children will like
that better than cats, I'm sure."

Then snarling at Blinkie, who arched her back in terror and whined
fearfully, she walked away toward her forest home with stately strides.



4. How Little Mayrie Became Frightened


The winter was over now, and all the Laughing Valley was filled with
joyous excitement. The brook was so happy at being free once again
that it gurgled more boisterously than ever and dashed so recklessly
against the rocks that it sent showers of spray high in the air. The
grass thrust its sharp little blades upward through the mat of dead
stalks where it had hidden from the snow, but the flowers were yet too
timid to show themselves, although the Ryls were busy feeding their
roots. The sun was in remarkably good humor, and sent his rays
dancing merrily throughout the Valley.

Claus was eating his dinner one day when he heard a timid knock
on his door.