“‘I am Lovelight, the messenger of King Neptune who rules the ocean,’ said the sprite. ‘King Neptune’ (he said ‘King’ like ‘kink’) ‘heard your wish and he says that he will grant it, because he likes to have people believe in him. What will you wish?’
“‘I wish——’ said Winfred.
“‘Wait!’ said Lovelight. ‘Don’t be silly and wish for something that is not worth while. And, for Goodness’ Sake, don’t wish for a burro!’
“‘How did you know about that?’ asked Winfred.
“‘Why, as soon as Merrylip left you she came straight to the sea to tell all the waves and collect laughs from them. When they heard that a King’s Son had asked for a burro, they laughed so hard that the sailors all thought a storm was coming up.’
“‘I could choke Merrylip,’ said Winfred, although he laughed himself. ‘But,’ said he, ‘I do not know how to make a worth-while wish.’
“Lovelight came close and put his lips to Winfred’s ear.
“‘There is one wish,’ he said, ‘that is more wonderful than anything else in the world. Shall I tell it to you?’
“‘Please do!’
“‘Well, wish that any wish you make at any time, as long as it is sensible, will come true. You see, that is really only one wish.’