124 WHISPERS FROM FAIRYLAND, ~- {tt

 

in our presence. If you only observe these conditions,
you will find the result greatly to your advantage.
We will afford you information upon any subject you
may desire, we will forward your views, for yourself
and relations, in any manner you wish, and we will
give you our very best advice whenever ysu shall
think fit to ask it. I hope you will be of opinion that
these conditions are as favourable as you could have
expected, and that you will readily fall in with our
views upon the subject.’

Here the Fairy stopped, and Simon, as he after-
wards remarked, felt so flabbergasted, that for a
moment or two he could not find his tongue, and
therefore remained silent. Presently, however, he
somewhat regained his composure, and, as politeness
and self-interest both required, made answer to the
Silver Lady as well as he could, at the same time
scratching his head as if to assist his ideas.

‘I bean’t no scholard, marm,’ he said, ‘nor I don’t
know werry well how I ought to speak to sich as you.
But if so be as you means well to I, then I means well
to you, and there an’t no call to say more as I knows
on.’ With this answer Simon contented himself, and
waited to see if his visitor would be satisfied.

Apparently she was so, for with a pleasant smile
and a laugh which you might fairly call silvery, she
said, ‘I think we understand one another, good Simon.
Depend upon it I shall keep my part of the bargain,
and mind you do the same. Now, is there anything
you want to know, or any service I can render you,
before retiring for the night ?’

Simon scratched his head again, and then said