He spoke to the tall, pink foxgloves and told them that foxgloves were favorites of fairies all over the world.
“We are very proud to hear you say so,” replied the Foxgloves, “for everyone knows that fairies or elves are the favorites of children all over the world.”
Then the flower-elf bowed low, and passed on to the snapdragons, and asked them how they did.
“We’re impatient,” said they, “and can hardly wait for the morning. We don’t see why there should be any night when the day is so much finer.”
“I really cannot agree with you,” said Iris-Wing, “for we Elves love starlight and moonlight much better than sunlight, and so do some flowers, some birds, and some insects.”
“Yes, but more flowers, more birds, and more insects love day than love night. We’ve really no patience with people who don’t love the sun. Of all living creatures we think the bee is the best, and she loves the sun.”
“And now, if you’re done,” said the flower-elf, “I think I shall run, for there’s work to be done.”
When he had finished his work in the garden, Iris-Wing called at the bluebirds’ house to tell him that hawks were abroad in the land. “And they’re human,” said he, “but fear not, we’ll protect you.”
At twelve o’clock that very night, the dream-elf flew through Anna’s open window, and beat on the drum of her ear. And she dreamed, and dreamed, and dreamed. She dreamed she was in a strange and far-off land where the air was filled with birds, and there was such a commotion that it deafened her. She couldn’t believe there were so many birds in all the world, and some of them were so large and fierce that they terrified her.