Why do you ask, my child ?" "It means a scene-painter too; a man who paints scenery for the stage," said Fred.
"Yes, that's it," said Emma, and she scampered away.
Fred sat silent for a while, and then he said:-- "Aunty dear, did you notice how queerly Emma behaved?
Do you suppose she is thinking of going on the stage ?" "No, indeed, my dear boy," said his aunt calmly; "she has no idea of that kind, you may be sure." "Well, take my word for it, she has something out of the way in her head.

She's not often very particular to know the meaning of a word; she's not very keen after knowledge.

I'm sure there's something in the wind." There was no time for more; for a sudden familiar shriek struck their ears.
"A snake! oh, a snake! a snake!" Fred clapped his hand to his pocket, and then ran out-of-doors.
"Now I can finish the pudding," thought aunty; but another still wilder scream betokened such dire alarm that she threw down her spoon and followed.
It was Rikli, of course, who was standing half-way down the steps leading up to the back door, looking down on a pretty little green snake on the step below, that was wriggling along as fast as possible, trying to make its escape.

Fred was seated quietly on the top step, waiting for the noise to subside.
"How absurd you are, Rikli," said her aunt gently; "if you are so afraid of that harmless little creature, why don't you turn round and run away ?" "It will run after me, and catch me! it is a snake!" cried the child, jumping up and down.
"Fred, take the little thing away," said his aunt; "I suppose it belongs to you." "Yes; I had it in my pocket, and I suppose it crept out while I was reading.

But I think Rikli ought to be taught not to behave so ridiculously.