and round, and they were not afraid of me, but would let me look at them
while they ate a nut, or a bit of sugar; and the dear little things would
drink out of their little white saucer, and wash their faces and tails--it
was so pretty to see them!"

"Did you notice, Lady Mary, how the dormice held their food?"

"Yes, they sat up, and held it in their fore-paws, which looked just like
tiny hands."

"There are many animals whose fore-feet resemble hands, and these,
generally, convey their food to their mouths--among these are the squirrel
and dormice. They are good climbers and diggers. You see, my dear young
lady, how the merciful Creator has given to all his creatures, however
lowly, the best means of supplying their wants, whether of food or
shelter."

"Indeed, nurse, I have learned a great deal about squirrels, Canadian
rice, otters, and Indians; but, if you please, I must now have a little
play with my doll. Good-bye, Mrs. Frazer,--pray take care of my dear
little squirrel, and mind that he does not fly away." And Lady Mary was
soon busily engaged in drawing her wax doll about the nursery in a little
sleigh lined with red squirrel fur robes, and talking to her as all
children like to talk to their dolls, whether they be rich or poor--the
children of peasants, or governors' daughters.




CHAPTER III.