A Butterfly Chase

Minnie and her cousin Bertie are buzzing with excitement after their museum‑working uncle sends them a beautifully illustrated guide to butterflies, along with nets, pins and tiny glass panes for preserving their catches. The pair dive into the world of lepidopterology, dreaming of filling glass cases with regal peacocks and glittering emperors, their imaginations sparked by vivid pictures and the promise of a perfect collection.

Their aunt, who cares for them as a mother would, watches the preparations with a mix of pride and unease. While she loves their curiosity, she worries that the sharp tools and the idea of immobilizing delicate creatures clash with the simple joy of watching butterflies flutter among the daisies. As the children set off for the sun‑lit meadow, they agree on a careful plan—each taking a side of the field, moving slowly through the tall grass, hoping to catch the prized specimens without disturbing the gentle rhythm of the meadow.