FLUFF-BUTTON THE RABBIT 79 
any more than the celandines around his paws 
knew why they waved in the wind ; but Fluff- 
Button knew when he did so and the flowers did 
not there lay the difference. He was calling for 
his love, and as though fascinated Cuni's tremulous 
nose was thrust from covert, and she began to steal 
towards him. But as she was about to stamp an 
answer, she looked to the right and saw that old 
Mutch had hopped half-way across the clearing. 
Fluff-Button turned round and saw two pairs 
of ears twitch. One pair was grey and lopped with 
age, but the second pair was adorable, and he made 
up his mind quickly. He hopped towards Cuni, 
utterly disregarding Mutch, and rose on his haunches 
to display his white vest and long whiskers. Cuni 
was visibly impressed by these, and by the beauty 
of his fine scut. When he tried to caress her she 
did not turn away, but suffered him to nuzzle at 
her furry shoulder, while she gave him delicate 
tickling kisses with her whiskers. After that Fluff- 
Button knew that his cause was won. 
By now the sun was up, and the celandine 
calices expanded into perfect golden stars. The 
Spring Longing bade Fluff-Button leave the Copse 
and spend the day in the main wood, and Cuni 
went with him. They crossed the field, and entered 
a clearing where the low briars were draped 
