"Make haste, then, if you want to go with me."

"But you are not big enough to take care of me. I think you are
only Miss North Wind."

"I am big enough to show you the way, anyhow. But if you
won't come, why, you must stay."

"I must dress myself. I didn't mind with a grown lady, but I
couldn't go with a little girl in my night-gown."

"Very well. I'm not in such a hurry as I was the other night.
Dress as fast as you can, and I'll go and shake the primrose leaves
till you come."

"Don't hurt it," said Diamond.

North Wind broke out in a little laugh like the breaking
of silver bubbles, and was gone in a moment. Diamond saw--
for it was a starlit night, and the mass of hay was at a low
ebb now--the gleam of something vanishing down the stair, and,
springing out of bed, dressed himself as fast as ever he could.
Then he crept out into the yard, through the door in the wall,
and away to the primrose. Behind it stood North Wind,
leaning over it, and looking at the flower as if she had been its mother.

"Come along," she said, jumping up and holding out her hand.

Diamond took her hand. It was cold, but so pleasant and full