Therefore when the rabbit, which is the most timid of all animals and
the most difficult to get acquainted with, looked out of a small bush
at the edge of the wood one day and saw Dorothy standing a little way
off, he did not scamper away, as is his custom, but sat very still and
met the gaze of her sweet eyes boldly, although perhaps his heart beat
a little faster than usual.
Dorothy herself was afraid she might frighten him away, so she kept
very quiet for a time, leaning silently against a tree and smiling
encouragement at her timorous companion until the rabbit became
reassured and blinked his big eyes at her thoughtfully. For he was as
much interested in the little girl as she in him, since it was the
first time he had dared to meet a person face to face.
Finally Dorothy ventured to speak, so she asked, very softly and
slowly,
"Oh, Little Bun Rabbit, so soft and so shy,
Say, what do you see with your big, round eye?"
"Many things," answered the rabbit, who was pleased to hear the girl
speak in his own language; "in summer-time I see the clover-leaves
that I love to feed upon and the cabbages at the end of the farmer's
garden. I see the cool bushes where I can hide from my enemies, and I
see the dogs and the men long before they can see me, or know that I
am near, and therefore I am able to keep out of their way.
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