“Do you love me as you say, and as I love you?” continued the voice.
“Well, I like you better than any other point of the compass, and I’m sure I never thought I should like one of them,” replied Jack.
“That will not do for me; will you love only me?”
“I’m not likely to love the others,” replied Jack, shutting his eyes again; “I hate them all.”
“And love me?”
“Well, I do love you, that’s a fact,” replied Jack, as he thought of the goose and the five guineas.
“Then look round, and you shall see me,” said the soft voice.
Jack, who hardly knew whether he was asleep or awake, did at this summons once more take the trouble to open his eyes, and beheld a fairy female figure, pellucid as water, yet apparently possessing substance; her features were beautifully soft and mild, and her outline trembled and shifted as it were, waving gently to and fro. It smiled sweetly, hung over him, played with his chestnut curls, softly touched his hips with her own, passed her trembling fingers over his cheeks, and its warm breath appeared as if it melted into his. Then it grew more bold,—embraced his person, searched into his neck and collar, as if curious to examine him.
Jack felt a pleasure and gratification which he could not well comprehend: once more the charmer’s lips trembled upon his own, now remaining for a moment, now withdrawing, again returning to kiss and kiss again, and once more did the soft voice put the question,—“Do you love me?”
“Better than goose,” replied Jack.