50 WHISPERS FROM FAIRYLAND. [t.

and see us safe to bed, I am sure that neither my
sister nor I will have the slightest objection,’

Somewhat mollified by this speech, the Giant said
he would tell Dame Skrinklegriggs, and muttered
something about ‘seeing after the other business to-
morrow morning, with which the sisters were obliged
to be contented. They declined dinner, however, on
the score of being greatly fatigued after their long
journey, and having had some tea in their own rooms,
went early to bed.

The night was passed seaiely as quietly as they
might have wished, inasmuch as the household of a
giant is generally one of riot and revelry. Being, how-
ever, nearly worn out with the day’s exertions, the
sisters slept soundly, and were obliged to be roused
by Dame Skrinklegriggs, a withered, blear-eyed, old
crone nearly as ill-favoured as the giant himself, who
accomplished her purpose by untucking the clothes at
the foot of Malvina’s bed, and pinching her great toe
violently, that being among giants the approved mode
of waking the heavy sleeper. The faithful Pincher
passed the night under the sofa in the drawing-room,
and, having taken care to avoid the Giant’s eye, joined
the Princesses as they descended the grand staircase,
and once more entered the drawing-room, whence they:
were ushered by obsequious lacqueys into the dining-
room in which the giant usually breakfasted. He was
already there, and roared out his welcome as soon as
the sisters made their appearance.

‘Now, my little ducklings,’ he said, ‘come and
‘breakfast with your old uncle Pattle-perry. You must
‘get used to our ways at once, for now I’ve got ye I shall