—William Brighty Rands.
[THE HILLMAN AND THE HOUSEWIFE]
As every one knows, fairies are always just. They are kind to others, and in return they expect others to be kind to them. In some countries across the sea there are fairies called Hillmen.
Now, there once lived a certain housewife who liked to make bargains. She gave away only those things for which she had no use, and then expected always to get something in return.
One day a Hillman knocked at her door.
"Can you lend us a saucepan?" he asked. "There's a wedding on the hill, and all the pots are in use."
"Is he to have one?" whispered the servant who opened the door.