130 BEYOND THE BLUE MOUNTAINS.

As she spoke she went on her knees, and Primrose going up to
her, did what she asked.

“Those gentle kisses!” said the lady. “As I feel them I also
know that the wicked spell has been removed. Ah! my beautiful
child, what have you not done for me!”

As she spoke she sprang to her feet, and Primrose saw that her
dark eyes were wide open, and that the gift of sight had been
restored to them.

“Now kiss your brother on his eyes,’ said the lady. She pulled
the bandage from Buttercup’s eyes as she spoke, and led him up to
Primrose. The little girl kissed him at once, and, as in the case of
the blind lady, his sight was immediately restored.

“Now you must give her eyes back to this little girl,” said the
lady; “and then I fear your power will have expired.”

Primrose did as she was bidden, and the blind lady’s child could
also see.

“ But what about the other four children? ” asked the little girl.

“Ah! my love, I know not—I know not,” replied the lady in a
voice of deep sadness. “Don’t ask me any questions. Leave this
cottage without a moment’s delay, my dear brave child, and take
little Buttercup with you.”

“But won’t you come too, poor lady?” asked Primrose.

“No, I cannot; the spell is only partly removed from me. Con-
volvulus can never take my eyesight away again, but still, I am her
servant, and this child is also her servant.”

“Then will Convolvulus return?” asked Primrose.

“Yes; but not until sunset. Go now; don’t stay longer in this
place than you can help.”

Notwithstanding her delight at having rescued Buttercup, Primrose
could not help feeling very sad as she walked down the narrow path
which led through the rustic garden to the wicket-gate. The lady
and her little girl stood in the porch, and waved their hands to her as
she walked away.

A few minutes later she and Buttercup were standing in the
tent.