They were just the merriest set that ever was seen, nodding
gayly to Cucu now and then when they could spare the time from their own
fun, and telling stories to each other, which must have been very
amusing; for sometimes they all laughed together till they nearly fell
out of bed, and their mother was obliged to shake them all round. One
day, there was a great commotion among the Filberts. The eldest brother
had determined to go out into the world and seek his fortune, so he
climbed out of bed and quietly dropped to the ground.
"Oh, dear me!" cried Cucu; "it is too mean that I should have to stay up
on this old trellis."
"Naughty boy!" scolded his mother. "What are you talking about? That
ever I should be afflicted with such a fractious child; 'tis enough to
turn me yellow;" and she spread out her pretty green apron, and waved
her ribbons in the air, while she took a firmer hold upon the poor
little Prince's cap.
"Don't you know that if I were to let go, off you would fall flat on
your back upon the nasty wet ground, and very likely lie there all the
rest of your life, growing wrinkled and yellow and sickly, while great
ugly worms crawled over you, and everybody blamed me for a careless
parent? No! no! I shall take good care you don't get away from me, you
may be sure."
So, Cucu had to accept his fate as best he might, and amused himself
watching his neighbors.
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