and the field-mouse hired four spiders that were forced to weave day and night. Every evening the mole came to pay a visit, and always spoke of his wish that summer would soon be over, that there might be an end of the heat; and when winter should come, then was to be the wedding. But Ellie was not at all glad; for she could not bear the sight of the ugly mole, though his fur was as rich and soft as velvet.
Morning and evening she stole to the door; and when the breeze blew the ears of corn apart, and she could see the blue sky, she thought it was so beautiful and bright out there in the open air, and she wished with all her heart that she might see the little swallow once again. But no swallow came; he was, no doubt, enjoying the warm sunshine far away in the green wood.
As autumn approached, Ellie was ready with her wedding-things.
“In four weeks you will be married,” said the old field-mouse; but Ellie wept,
