* * * * * * *

"Well, well! Here we are back again," said the Counterpane Fairy, "and
stiff enough I feel after all that journeying."

"Oh! wasn't it funny?" said Teddy, and his knees shook with laughter.
"They really thought I was a gamblesome elf."

"Take care!" cried the fairy. "There you are shaking your knees again.
I think, my dear, that if you were to lower them very, very carefully,
the hill would not be quite so steep."

"Yes, ma'am, I'll be careful," said Teddy, beginning very slowly to
slide his feet down in the bed. Suddenly, the door-knob turned, and
Teddy gave a start;--quick as a flash the Counterpane Fairy had
disappeared.

His mother was coming in carrying his breakfast and a little vase of
violets on a tray.

"Why, my darling, what a bright, happy face!" she said. "I think my
little boy must be feeling better this morning."



CHAPTER THIRD.

STARLEIN AND SILVERLING.