"Well! what is it?"
She led him into the inn garden, and said:
"You've often heard tell of the household fairies they used to have in olden times? They were good, peaceful spirits that brought blessings and wealth and good fortune to whatever house they visited. But there was one condition. As long as they stayed, no one dared ask their name, or where they'd come from."
"Yes, yes! I've heard that often enough; but I don't believe a word of it."
"You needn't believe it; I don't ask you to. I want to put you to the test. Listen! Mother and I have ever so tender and delicate a creature in the wagon there. She's strong and powerful, but quite strange in her ways. She means to stay with us, but she won't be a burden. And now, Hansei, tell me; have you strength enough never to ask her who and whence she is, or any other question? You must take my word for it. I know her and know what I'm doing in keeping her with us; and on the strength of that, will you be good and faithful and kind to her? Tell me; can you, will you be this?"
"Is that the way I'm to prove whether I'm a strong man, or not?"
"Yes, that's it; nothing more."
"I can do that; and here's my hand on it."
"Let me have it."
"You'll see. I'll keep my promise; that's easy enough."