168 TIIE MIRACULOUS PITCHER.

33

“Had we known you were coming,” said she, “my
good man and myself would have gone without a mor-
sel, rather than you should lack a better supper. But
I took the most part of to-day’s milk to make cheese ;
and our last loaf is already half eaten. Ah me! I never
feel the sorrow of being poor, save when a poor traveller
knocks at our door.”

“All will be very well; do not trouble yourself, my
good dame,” replied the elder stranger, kindly. “An
honest, hearty welcome to a guest works miracles with
the fare, and is capable of turning the coarsest food to
nectar and ambrosia.”

“A welcome you shall have,” cried Baucis, “and
likewise a little honey that we happen to have left, and
a bunch of purple grapes besides.”

“Why, Mother Baucis, it is a feast!” exclaimed
(Juicksilver, laughing, ‘‘ an absolute feast! and you shall
see how bravely I will play my part at it! I think I
never felt hungrier in my life.”

“Mercy on us!” whispered Baucis to her husband.
“If the young man has such a terrible appetite, I am
afraid there will not be half enough supper!”

They all went into the cottage.

And now, my little auditors, shall I tell you something
that will make you open your eyes very wide? It is
really one of the oddest circumstances in the whole story.
Quicksilver’s staff, you recollect, had set itself up against
the wall of the cottage. Well; when its master entered
the door, leaving this wonderful staff behind, what should
it do but immediately spread its little wings, and go