"In this particular case, I am a fairy. I know that I do not look it; still, I am. With one touch of my wand—this oak staff—I can bring you all these things you have dreamed about."
"But what would I do with carriages and jewels? I am only a goose-girl, and I am to be married."
"To that young rascal of a vintner?"
"He is not a rascal!" loyally.
"It will take but little to make him one," with an odd grimness.
Gretchen did not understand.
He resumed, "how would you like a little palace, with servants at your beck and call, with carriages to ride in, with silks and velvets to wear, and jewels to adorn your hair? How would you like these things? Eh? Never again to worry about your hands, never again to know the weariness of toil, to be mistress of swans instead of geese?"
A shadow fell upon Gretchen's face; the eagerness died out of her eyes.
"I do not understand you, Herr. By what right should I possess these things?"