"Well, well," said the lady, "we shall see what kind of wishing-cap I can make: but I must tell you, my wishing-cap is not so good a one as the man's in the fairy tale; it will only produce such things as may be easily had, it will not bring wonders to pass."
In this manner they went on talking till tea was over, and the tea-things carried away. Then the lady drew her chair to the fire, and bidding the children sit round her, she put her hand into her pocket, and pulled out a sheet of white paper. She then folded up the paper in the shape of a cap, and holding it up in her hand, "This is the wishing-cap," she said; "you shall put it on, and try what it is good for. Come, who will be the first to wear the cap?" Then the lady placed the cap on Charlotte's head. "Now," she said, "think! what do you wish for?"
"But will what I wish for really come?" said Charlotte.
"Perhaps it may," answered the lady: "we shall know to-morrow morning."
"Then," said Charlotte, "I wish for a muslin frock, trimmed with satin ribbon."
"Very well," said the lady. "Who comes next?"
"I! I!" cried James, snatching the cap from his sister's head, and putting it on his own; "I wish for a rocking-horse."
"Now for me," said Edward; "give me the cap. I wish for a coachman's whip. Now, Louisa, it is your turn."
"I wish for a wax doll, with flaxen hair, and blue eyes," said Louisa.