'That I sha'n't.'
The scene that followed is one which no author would care to dwell upon. But, losing all control over himself, the fat and burly showman advanced with his fist clenched and eyes aflame, and no doubt might have done poor innocent Lotty serious injury. But just at that moment came a fresh actress on the scene, in the person of Crona herself. Dressed as usual in the clean starched mob-cap or mutch, her tartan plaid and garments fluttering around her in the breeze blowing off the sea, a long staff in her hand, and Joe the raven on her shoulder, she appeared as suddenly as if she had sprung from the earth, and interposed her presence 'twixt the showman and child.
'Back!' she almost screamed, 'back, Biffins Lee. Lay but a finger on that child, and there is an end to your show and to your career as well.'
'How dare you, woman! Who are you that interferes with the legal right of a parent to reprimand a disobedient child?'
'Who am I, Biffins Lee?' she repeated. Then she made one step towards him and hissed something in his ear.
Lee started as if shot, and stood there before the witch, pale, perspiring, and trembling.
But Crona only laughed.
'Come with your fairy godmother, darling.' She placed an arm around Lotty, and together they left the stage.