“I don’t mind that now,” replied Johnny.
“And drive the old mare to market in the heat and dust,” continued the elfin.
“Send me back to grandfather and the old [[174]]mare,” he cried pleadingly, “and you shall see I will never grumble again.”
“Are you sure?”
“Please try me, good fay.”
“But what about the white pony?”
“Bother the pony! I don’t want it.”
“And the tall groom?”
“He is a cruel fellow, and I never want to see him again, nor Mr. Cramwell either. Let me be myself again, dear fay! dear, kind fairy! Pray take me home again to good old grandad,” and the poor dreamer began to sob in his sleep.
“Enough,” responded the wee spirit in a kind tone. “The wishing-cap I will take again, and you shall return to your home and to your daily toil. Yet remember, boy, you shall resume your place here the moment you begin to grow dissatisfied. Let this lesson cure you of envy. People who ride white ponies, the same as those who ride in carriages, are no more exempt from care, toil, denial, and suffering than yourself. Learn contentment. It is a rare jewel, and better than fine clothing and white ponies. Ta-ta, Johnny.”