'It says much for you if you feel it at all,' said the lady. 'But now, my children, if you want to see some of the things open to you to visit, you must be on your way. Go straight on till you come to a barred gate—that is one of the doors into gnomeland. Knock and say that the fairy of the spinning-wheel sent you, and asks for you courtesy and kindness.
Leonore looked a very little frightened.
'Is there any fear?' she began. 'Could the gnomes be vexed at our coming?'
Hildegarde turned to her with a little impatience.
'Of course not,' she said, 'if our fairy lady sends us.'
"I MUST GIVE YOU ONE OR TWO WARNINGS."
'But still,' said the lady, though she smiled, 'I must give you one or two warnings. Gnomes are gnomes, remember—not angels, not even fairies. They are queer-tempered folk. In speaking to them you must be very respectful and never interrupt them. And you must never seem to pity them in the very least; they think their underground country is far more wonderful and delightful than any other, and you must not disagree with this opinion.'