Happy Birthday, Shirebound. 

HIDE AND SEEK

“Primula-a-a? Where’s Primula?”

Giggles.

“I hear Primula. O where could she be?” Mirabella dramatically placed her hand to her forehead. “O where could my little faunt be?”

More giggles.

“She’s not under the cushion. She’s not behind the door.”

Peels of laughter from under the tea-table. Mirabella grinned. “Whatever will I do without my little lass? I can’t find her *anywhere*! I suppose I shall have to go for my walk alone.” She stood directly in front of the tea-table.

Two plump little hands siezed her ankle. “I’se here! Mumsy, I’se here!”

She swooped up her youngest daughter. “*There* you are, my beauty!”

She hugged her little one tightly, and then drew back to gaze on the sweet little face, with its huge blue eyes and dimpled cheeks, all topped with masses of raven-dark curls.

“I wuv you, Mumsy.”

“I love you, too, Primula. Whatever would I do without you?”