"Yes," said the Counterpane Fairy, "I know who she is."

"Well," said Teddy, "she's just gone over into the sewing-room, and I
want to know whether you won't let me take her into a square sometime."

"My mercy, no!" said the fairy. "Have you forgotten what I told you the
first time I came?"

"What was that?"

"I told you I went to see little boys and girls. I don't go to see
grown people. They wouldn't believe in me."

"My mother would," said Teddy. "She plays with me and she likes my
books and I tell her all about you."

"No, no!" cried the Counterpane Fairy, "I couldn't think of it. I'm
very glad to take you into my stories, but if you don't care to go by
yourself--" and she picked up her staff and rose as though she were
going.

"Oh, I do, I do!" cried Teddy. "Please don't go away."

"Well, I won't," said the fairy, sitting down again, "if you really want
me to show you another. Have you chosen a square?"

"No, I haven't yet," said Teddy. He looked the squares over very
carefully, and at last he chose the black-and-white one where the circus
was standing.