After this they were silent for a moment or two. Then the Grocer and the Farthing Doll clasped each other’s hands and spoke at the same moment.

“My Heart’s Dearest, I love you,” said he.
“You are my Best Beloved,” said she.

So the matter ended happily, to their own joy and to the joy of the whole toy-shop.

And these two lovers found Truth at last: not in the bottom of a Well, but in the depths of their own Hearts.

And they married and were happy ever after.


“That was a nice ending,” remarked the little girl. “I like it.”

“Yes; very satisfactory, wasn’t it?” said the little lady.

“How will the next story end, happily or sadly?”

“I haven’t thought of it yet. You shall know to-morrow.”