In the afternoon, as Father Bear and Mother Bear
were happily waiting for Little Bear's company, there
came a knock at the door, followed by the entrance of
Auntie Cinnamon.

"I came to say," said she, "that my children cannot
come to the party because they have gone to sleep for
the winter. No, I cannot stay, I thank you, but I am
glad to stop in a minute to say good night until spring."

"Sleepy heads!" exclaimed Little Bear when Auntie
Cinnamon had gone on her way.

Next came Uncle Brown Bear. He was so plump he
was out of breath from walking fast and had to rest a
minute before he could say, "Our children are all asleep
and cannot come to the party, but Auntie Brown sent
me over to say we thank you, and good night until
spring!" And away he went.

[Illustration: "I came to say that my children cannot
come to the party," said Aunty Cinnamon]

"The sleepy heads!" exclaimed Little Bear again,
and how he laughed. "But where is the party, Mother
Bear, and am I invited?"

Just then came another knock at the door, and Mother
Porcupine walked in to say that the twins were tucked