Witch. O, sweeping cobwebs off the sky, so that it will be bright and pleasant for picnics to-morrow. I cleaned soot out of chimneys to save work for the poor little sweep-boys, and I gave old men and women diamond spectacles with gold rims so that they can read without hurting their eyes.
Giantess. You are a good soul indeed.
Witch. O, no, I’m not. I’m just reporting progress. And I dropped chocolates, and caps with lavender ribbons, through the open windows of Old Ladies’ Homes.
Giantess. Lovely! lovely!
Witch. But the best fun of all was giving a breath of air to fifty poor women who work in city factories. I rode them on my broomstick three or four hundred miles or so. One dear thing cracked her funny-bone on the north star. I didn’t mean to brush by so closely. (Enter the Ogre and the Giant, supporting Jack, whose leg is neatly bandaged. The other people follow. Jack is placed in the rocking-chair, by the fire.) I can make his leg well, quick as a wink! (She touches Jack’s leg with her broomstick. He pulls off the bandage, and capers about delightedly.)
Jack. Thank you, dear Witch. Giant Greatbig, I am more sorry than I can say that I have hounded you all this time. I never suspected that you were a good giant. You know the kind of man your uncle used to be.
Giant (shaking hands with Jack). Well, now we are good friends, aren’t we, hey?
Jack. You know I’m an orphan. I wonder if you would care to adopt me.
Giant. A very good plan. I know you will set a good example to my boys, and make yourself useful generally.
Giantess (hugging Jack). You dear child, you! To think that an hour ago I dreaded to hear your very name spoken! My! How muscular you are!