"Oh, dear Counterpane Fairy!" cried Teddy, "have you come to show me
another story?"

"Are you sure you want to see one?" asked the Counterpane Fairy.

"Oh, yes, yes, I do!" cried Teddy. "Your stories don't make me feel
tired the way Aunt Mariah's do."

The fairy shook her head. "I thought her stories were very pleasant,"
she said.

"So they are," said Teddy, "but I like her stories best when I'm all
well, and I like your stories best when I'm sick. Besides I only hear
her stories and I see yours."

The fairy smiled. "Well, then, which square will you choose this time?"
she said.

"I think I would like that one," said Teddy, pointing to a square of
watered ribbon that shaded from white to a sea-green.

"That's rather a long story," said the fairy, doubtfully.

"Oh, please show it!" begged Teddy.

"Well," said the Fairy, "fix your eyes on it while I count."

Then she began and he heard her voice going on and on. "FORTY-NINE!"
she cried.