278 WHISPERS FROM FAIRYLAND, [v.

better than to be together, and right happy were the
Eton holidays which they spent in the old home at
Northwell Park. On this afternoon they rambled
homewards through the old wood and across the park,
and as they did so, they talked of many things and
people, but their thoughts principally ran upon the
strange dream—if dream it was—that had come to
Harry under the shade of the old beech. I cannot
tell you more about it now than that Harry would
never, from that day to this, allow that it was a dream.
Perhaps he had other visions afterwards which con-
firmed him in this idea. Perhaps he had more visits
of a friendly character from the little brown gentle-
man. Ifso, I hope I shall hear of some of them and
be able to tell them to you at some future time.
When the sun is hot, and the green leaves of the
neighbouring woods tempt me to wander beneath
their friendly shade, I, too, like Harry, like to rest
upon mossy banks and listen to all the soothing
sounds of woodland life. Then it is that tiny feet
come tripping around me, tiny voices whisper in mine
ears, and the wondrous legends of Fairyland are told
me by those who alone have the right to tell them ;
they come to me so kindly and they speak so softly
and sweetly, and their loveliness of face and
figure is like But, Hush! I must not say any-
thing else about them, or they will be angry and
come no more. So I will not say another word upon
the subject, and will only promise that if Harry has
another visit from his friend, and tells me about it, I
will not keep the knowledge to myself, but will as
soon as possible take steps to let my friends know as