"Why not tell Mammy Leezer the truth about the pine woods, and let her repeat it? She loves the Fairy Prince with all her heart, and would dress up the story in rosiest colors.
"What if you were a poor little girl then, or thought to be? Mammy knew you had a fine father, and will say so. And what if the Fairy Prince finds out that twice you were in a tree when he needed help? Fairies are supposed to lurk in forests and midst trees and flowers.
"Mammy can begin the story, you must finish it. Tell him of your love for Ingleside, but not of the rocky seat. It would not be maidenly or needful. Tell him your name, and hide not the fact of his relationship."
Maid Sally took her good Fairy's advice, and at the story Mammy Leezer cried, "Sho' now!" and "Bress yo' dear lil heart!" and "Lorr de massy sakes alive!" until Sally knew how her music-full voice and flowery speech would set forth all that she would pour into the ears of the listening Prince.
Then for several days, the young Lionel, who never tired of the whole pleasing story, was set and determined to have Maid Sally near him every moment that he could.
But good Parson Kendall had talked and prayed with hurt and troubled men, while Doctor Hancocke had given medicines and good advice, and nursing dames of kind hearts and willing hands had waited on the sick.
Now a fortnight had slipped away since the battle of Great Bridge, the wounded men were doing well, a number had been taken to their homes, and Parson Kendall and Doctor Hancocke were about to return homeward.
The Fairy Prince, still too weak for removal, rebelled at thought of missing the sweet face of his dear Fairy Girl.
But Parson Kendall was firm as a rock.
In vain Mammy Leezer said, with rolling eyes and fearful air: