324 Hans Brinker

6

A shade of earnestness passed over Annie’s face as she
looked up at him; perhaps it was because she wished from
the depths of her heart that for once she could have a fairy’s
power.

Something whispered to Hans that for the moment she was
more than mortal.

“‘] wish,” said he, solemnly, “I could find something I
was searching for last night.”

Gretel laughed merrily. Dame Brinker moaned, “ Shame
on you, Hans!” and passed wearily into the cottage.

The fairy godmother sprang up, and stamped her foot three
times.

“Thou shalt have thy wish,” said she, “let them say what
they will.” Then, with playful solemnity, she put her hand
into her apron-pocket, and drew forth a large glass bead.
“ Bury this,” said she, giving it to Hans, “where I have
stamped, and ere moonrise thy wish shall be granted.”

Gretel laughed more merrily than ever.

The godmother preténded great displeasure.

“Naughty child!” said she, scowling terribly. “In punish-
ment for laughing at a fairy, thy wish shall not be granted.”

“Ha!” cried Gretel, in high glee. “ Better wait till you ’re
asked, godmother. I haven’t made any wish! ”

Annie acted her part well. Never smiling through all their
merry laughter, she stalked away, the embodiment of offended
dignity.

“ Good-night, fairy!” they cried again and again.

“ Good-night, mortals !

2”?

she called out at last as she
sprang over a frozen ditch, and ran towards her home.

“Oh! isn’t she —just like flowers, so sweet and lovely!”
cried Gretel, looking after her in great admiration. “ And to