48 THE FAIRY-FOLK OF THE BLUE HILL.

to and fro on its stem, and looking closely, I
beheld the tiny face of that roguish elf, Toto
the Slim. Leaping from the chalice of the
lily, down the slender stalk he climbed, and,
after a wild dance of exultation, away he
sped.”

“Return to thy story of the children,”
commanded the queen haughtily, and the
maid of honor submissively continued her
story :— ;

“Pardon me, my lady queen; I imagined it
would be of interest to know that Toto the
Slim was at the bottom of the mischief, for of
that I am sure from the merry expression of
his face.

“The children soon recovered from their
surprise, and Wassa cried:‘ We will pay the
proud maid for this. We will teach her to
play tricks on us.’ And, gracious queen, they
are now on their way hither.”

No sooner had the maid of honor ceased
speaking than Wassa appeared, followed by
her brother and sisters. With angry haste
they drew in the nets that Mona had, a few
moments before, thrown into the water, and,
with hands and feet, endeavored to tear them