Some of the old folks in the village did not know English. They spoke only Irish. But the children in the village all knew English, for they studied it in school.
The letter to Eileen was written in English. The little girl ran to the side of the blue lake. She opened the letter with trembling fingers.
This is what she read:
"Dawn O'Day, I have traveled far. The many lands I've seen and the many strange things would open wide your eyes. I am in a fairy city. The lights at night do be shining like the stars. And the noise is like a thousand thunders.
"But the shoemaker is kind. I work hard, but I am paid a handsome sum. And I study at night in a fine school. I am happy but for the sorrow of leaving you. Keep in your heart your faith, for I'll be coming back to get you.
Your Shaun."
When Eileen walked back to the village with her letter clasped in her hand, a crowd of children surrounded her.
"And what is in it?" shouted one.
"Are the fairies themselves writing to you?" laughed another.
Eileen shook her curls and would not answer.