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Updated: June 3, 2025
"Good evening, neighbours!" cried the Mole-mother pleasantly, for though she did not exactly approve of the Rat household, she always treated them with civility. "Where are you out so late? How well the children are looking!" "Yes, they grow rapidly bless their little tails and whiskers!" said the Rat-mother proudly.
"We have just been to my brother's in the town, taking a cup of coffee with him, and there we heard some news. I can tell you! There's to be a grand Coffee Party at the Hedgehogs, and though all the guests have been invited, we alone are left out. Most insulting I call it!" "Well, it is rude," allowed the Mole-mother, "but they've not asked us either.
"And to think that for all those years the Mole-mother was never once rude to me!" thought the Chip. "She was a person of real refinement. Whatever shall I do if I have to be shut up with these ill-bred people?" he groaned miserably. "How the woodwork does creak!" said the Director as he came up to the glass case, with a young lady to whom he was showing the treasures of the Museum.
"Well, they won't ask us, so you had better not think too much about it," said the Mole-mother; "don't let your mind run on vanities." As she spoke they saw the two rats from the Inn coming towards them.
"The Rat-father has started off to the Tinker's to tell the boy where the Hedgehogs are living!" The Mole-mother sank down on a bench gasping. "He's done it then! Oh, the poor Hedgehogs!" she cried wringing her hands, "They'll be cooked in clay before they can turn round." "Don't be in such a hurry, wife," said the Mole-father. "I've thought of something.
"You can read out Royal Decrees, and make laws," said the Mole; and to herself she added, "It won't disturb me. I shan't take any notice of them." "Who's to be nobles?" said the Chip, crossly. "I'd rather not do the thing at all, if it can't be done properly!" "Well, I can't be people and nobles too, that's quite certain," remarked the Mole-mother, as she tidied up her house.
"Yes, for of course it would be an inestimable advantage to the children to see a little Court life. However, with the fashions altering so quickly, it would be difficult for me to arrange their dresses in the last mode and I couldn't have them looked down upon." "Of course not," humbly replied the Mole-mother.
"Do the boys ever annoy you? They are sometimes very ill-bred." "Our house is in such a retired position, I seldom see anyone," replied the Mole-mother. "The Forester's family are our nearest neighbours, and really they are so kind they might almost be Moles themselves." "That is very pleasant for you," said the Frau Councillor. "Our case is quite different.
The Chip was sitting upon a little stone-heap against one of the pillars. He fondly imagined it was a Throne; and the Mole-mother, with the utmost good nature, had never undeceived him.
Two large tallow candles were burning brightly, and altogether the house presented a very lively appearance. "Here you are at last," cried the Mole-father. "Supper is just ready, and I have sent Karl to the Inn for some lager-beer." "I wonder if he will hear anything," said the Mole-mother taking off her galoshes; and then she related all the news of the evening.
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