Zora clapped her hands in delight. But just then, a faint sound was heard, as of some one talking between the teeth. Then Zora spoke, and the charm was broken. She did not intend to speak; but asked, “What noise was that?” before she thought.
“You have broken the charm,” said the fairy. “The soft-hearted gnomes are unwilling to punish Hilda; but I hoped, by my craft, I could force them to keep her a lamb forever; or, at most, to let her grow to a sheep, and die by the knife.
“I will now weave a new charm; but I fear me they will repent; and Hilda will not be got out of the way, after all. Not a word more, I warn you.”
So saying, the goblin made another circle three times, on the ground, and again muttered,—
“How long is fair Hilda a snowy wee lamb?
The little gnomes cry, ‘We fear
Till comes a brave lion so tender and true,
She lives by his side a year.’”
Zora clapped her hands again. “That is well,” said she, “for never was a lion seen who could let a little helpless lamb pass his way without tearing it in pieces.”
“True,” said the gnome, well pleased, “it has worked well. Hilda will never trouble you again: so creep home softly, and go to your rest: dream of bats and creeping snakes; and to-morrow, at sunrise, ask your cousin to walk with you in the park. Now adieu!”
“Adieu, sweetest and best of fairies!” said Zora, drawing her silken mantle closely about her face. As she left the hideous cave, snakes hissed after her, and a bat flew in her face; but she had sold herself to evil, and walked on without fear of the creatures she so strongly resembled.
Next morning, at the first peep of the sun, she cried, “Awake, dearest Hilda, joy of my life, and walk with me in the park. I have lost my diamond necklace; and last night I dreamed it was lying in the grass.”
So Princess Hildegarde opened her eyes, and hastened to follow her cousin; for her heart was quickly moved to any act of kindness.