"But you are no bigger than I am!"

"Do you think I care how big or how little I am? And of course, I am
little this evening! Didn't you see me behind the leaves of the
primrose? Didn't you see them blowing? Make haste, now, if you want to
go with me! Dress as fast as you can and I will go and shake the leaves
of the primrose till you come!"

"Don't hurt it!" said Diamond.

North Wind broke out into a little laugh like the breaking of silver
bubbles and was gone in a moment. Diamond saw the gleam of something
vanishing down the stair. He dressed himself as fast as ever he could
and crept out into the yard, through the door in the wall, and away to
the primrose. Behind it stood North Wind leaning over it.

"Come along!" she said jumping up and holding out her hand. She led him
across the garden and with one bound was on top of the wall. Then she
reached down her hand to Diamond. He gave a great spring and stood
beside her.

Another bound, and they stood in the road by the river. It was full tide
and the stars were shining clear in its depths. But they had not walked
beside it far before its surface was covered with ripples and the stars
had vanished. North Wind was now as tall as a full-grown girl. Her hair
was flying about her head and the wind was blowing a breeze down the
river. But she turned aside and went up a narrow lane.

"I have some rather disagreeable work to do to-night," she said. "And
disagreeable work must be looked after first."