The Prince following the direction of the old man’s eyes, turned himself a little to the left, and there, close by his side, he perceived a tiny sprite, scarce a span high, who was eyeing the old man with a most malevolent and insulting expression of countenance.
The Prince gazed at him in wonder; he had never seen a creature so small, wearing the human form. “Surely!” he remarked to his aged companion, “this must be the most diminutive of elves.”
“All persons think him so,” replied the old man, “when first they see him; indeed, many declare that, except in a strong light, and after a good deal of exertion, they are unable to see him at all. And what is very remarkable, he never appears alike to two persons at the same time. For instance, I will be bold to say that he looks quite different in your eyes and mine at this very moment. I think him a very hideous little ape.”
“An ape!” exclaimed the Prince, “how you surprise me! To me he seems to have the features of a good-looking boy.”
The old man gave a glance of peculiar meaning at the Prince, and smiling, said, “Did you ever see any boy like him?”
“No!” answered the Hope of the Katzekopfs.
“There is nothing remarkable in that,” replied the grey-robed stranger, with the same smile, and quiet tone, “some persons are more quick at finding resemblances than others. What think you of his dress?”
“Oh,” said the Prince, “I see nothing to find fault with in that; it is just like my own.”
The old man smiled once more.
Meanwhile the little Sprite was fidgetting about uneasily, endeavouring to attract attention, as it should seem, and provoked at not finding his efforts more successful.