"Oh!" exclaimed Norah, almost breathless in her astonishment and delight.
"I have come," said the stranger in cracked, quavering tones.
"I'm so glad to see you," replied Norah politely, too excited to feel shy.
"I—your fairy godmother—am here to test you and see if you are really worthy. See this slate which I have brought under my cloak. Every little lady should be able to do arithmetic right. Can you do this sum?"
"How funny, godmother dear!" said Norah, looking at it. "We are just learning these. It's a difficult one, but I'll try."
In a few moments she had done the sum and proved it correct.
"Very good," said the fairy, with a grunt of satisfaction.
"Will you take a drink of water?" now asked the hospitable Norah eagerly. "Do."
"No, thank you. But I may take something else. Tell me, what of all your treasures do you like most?"
"Oh, my paint-box!"