"But I've seen a tree man to-day," said Lotty.
The boys laughed.
"Don't try to stuff us up with such nonsense; we're not so green as your tree man," they said.
Gustel, the maid, came in, and joined in the conversation. She supported the boys' view.
"I don't care," said Lottchen, now in a high state of excitement. "My mother knows a man—a very clever Irishman—a poet and a painter as well, and he has often seen the fairies."
"Yes," said Trudel, "it's true he draws them just as he sees them with rainbow-coloured wings."
"Well I never, you don't expect me to believe such things, do you?" said Gustel. "Why, that's all lies, and it is very wicked to tell a lie!"
Lotty flew into a perfect tantrum. "How dare you say we tell lies; I will tell my mother of you," she screamed, and threw herself on the floor crying violently.
Mother rushed in, not knowing what had happened. "Lotty, get up at once; tell me what's the matter, darling!"
"Booh!—booh—booh!—Gustel won't believe—booh, booh, booh—that you know a man who has seen the fairies!"