172 WHISPERS FROM FAIRYLAND. [ur

 

However, when he found that the worthy milkman felt
no regret upon the subject and certainly bore no malice,
he gradually came round, dropped in again now and
‘then as in old days, and eventually gave the final
proof of his wisdom by taking Martha Pattison for his
wife. Itis no part of my business to narrate what
effect this step had upon the trade of the ‘Royal
George’ or the comfort of its keeper, but I am in-
clined to believe that Simon Ricketts sorrowed but
little at the event. Anyhow, he lived on for several
years afterwards without seeming any the worse for it,
and probably died none the sooner from the loss. He
ended his days peacefully and happily, and there were
those that said he had further help and assistance
from the same source from whence had come his sudden
wealth. This, however, is probably untrue. People
who have once banished fairies from their homes are
seldom lucky enough to get them there again. They
may forgive ; they may even leave behind them words
of wisdom and good advice by attention to which
mortals may thrive and prosper. But seldom if ever
do they revisit with their sweet presence the -scenes
where they have once been happy and have lost their
happiness ; and whatever ignorant people may have
thought and said, I feel very sure that when he left the
new study after that important interview with the
great queen, Simon Ricketts had taken his last look,
for ever and aye, at the Silver Fairies.