But now occurred something that made her forget all about hunger: She saw the witch approaching her, looking more horrid than ever. When Polly tried to run, she found herself so badly frightened that she could not move from the spot.
"Oh, please, please, good woman," pleaded Polly, falling on her knees, "don't take me away from these fields. I know I was naughty, but I will try to do better in the future. Please—don't take me away!"
Instead of scolding and threatening, as Polly feared, the hag gently patted her on the head, saying: "So you want to stay here. My child, no one can stay here who wishes evil and is stubborn."
"I'll be good—I'll be good," pleaded Polly.
"Then, child, you shall have your wish," replied the old woman, disappearing from the scene.
As soon as the witch was gone, Polly rose from her knees and wished for Harry, but wishing did not bring him. Feeling tired after so much excitement, she lay down and peacefully drifted into dreamland.
She was aroused by Harry's voice.
"Polly! Polly!" he was gently calling until she opened her large blue eyes. "It is past dinner-time," he said, "and if you do not hurry there will be no good things to eat."
"Oh, Harry, Harry!" she cried. "I have been very, very naughty!"