Now Jenny was just bursting with desire to spread the news, but Peter
looked so anxious that finally she promised that she would keep it to
herself, and she really meant to. But though Peter looked greatly
relieved as he watched her start for home, he didn't smile as he had
before. "I wish her tongue didn't wag so much," said he.




CHAPTER XXIX

JIMMY SKUNK VISITS PETER RABBIT


It's hard to keep a secret which you fairly ache to tell;
So not to know such secrets is often quite as well.
Peter Rabbit.

On her way home from the Old Briar-patch, Jenny Wren stopped to rest in
a bush beside the Crooked Little Path that comes down the hill, when who
should come along but Jimmy Skunk. Now just as usual Jenny Wren was
fidgeting and fussing about, and Jimmy Skunk grinned as he watched her.

"Hello, Jenny Wren!" said he. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm resting on my way home from the Old Briar-patch, if you must know,
Jimmy Skunk!" replied Jenny Wren, changing her position half a dozen
times while she was speaking.