“For mercy’s sake! no,” said the fairy, clutching at the quilt. “You might upset me. Keep right still and I’ll show you another story.”
“Oh, yes!” cried Teddy; “please do; and let me go to the golden castle again.”
“No, I can’t do that,” said the Counterpane Fairy, “for that was yesterday’s story, and this will be another.”
“But what became of the princess?” asked Teddy.
“Oh! she married the hero, of course,” said the fairy.
“But I thought I was the hero.”
“There, there!” said the fairy, impatiently, “I told you that was yesterday’s story, and if you want to see any more you must choose another square.”
“Well, I will,” said Teddy. “May I choose that green square?”
“Yes,” said the fairy. “Now fix your eyes on it while I count.”
Teddy began to stare at the green square so hard that he scarcely winked, but he heard the Counterpane Fairy counting on in her thin little voice until she reached FORTY-NINE.