“‘Exactly!’ said the fairy. ‘That is the way it works, and a very pretty way, too. Now, my boy, I am going to make you a very liberal allowance. You may say “Oh, dear!” forty-five times a day. There’s liberality for you!’
“‘Oh, dear!’ cried Chimborazo, ‘I—’
“‘Ting!’ said the bell-punch.
“‘You see!’ observed the fairy. ‘Nothing could be prettier. You have now had three of this day’s allowance. It is still some hours before noon, so I advise you to be careful. If you exceed the allowance—’ Here she paused, and glowered through her spectacles in a very dreadful manner.
“‘Oh, dear!’ cried Chimborazo. ‘What will happen then?’
“‘You will see!’ said the fairy godmother, with a nod. ‘Something will happen, you may be very sure of that. Good-by. Remember, only forty-five!’ And away she flew out of the window.
“‘Oh, dear!’ cried Chimborazo, bursting into tears. ‘I don’t want it! I won’t have it! Oh, dear! oh, dear! oh, dear! oh, dear! oh, DEAR!!!’
“Good-by. Remember, only forty-five!”