"I knew it; I am glad you tell the truth."
"How did you know it?" asked Norah in surprise.
"I am your fairy godmother. I'll take that paint-box, please."
Norah brought it and gave it to her with the greatest pleasure, and pressingly inquired if she might carry anything anywhere. But that was not required. Then she stood waiting expectantly. And her heart seemed to turn a somersault of delight when her fairy godmother spoke the following words:—
"I am satisfied. Now you may wish for whatever you like. But you must make up your mind before I count three."
Norah's eyes had followed her glance at the clock, which pointed to one minute to three; but her mind, from the flutter of excitement she was in, became a complete blank.
"One!" said the fairy solemnly.
This brought the little goddaughter to her senses, and she began to mutter confusedly—
"Shall I wish for a gold carriage, like Cinderella's, or a pet lamb, with a blue ribbon and a bell round its neck, or a frock embroidered in diamonds, or——"
"Two!" said the fairy.