First Fairy. She carried a bonnet to Miss Van Noir, with strict orders to see the lady herself, and find out whether the bonnet suited. Miss Van Noir was at dinner with a party of friends, and the maid would not disturb her. It was ten o'clock before the lady saw the little girl and tried on the bonnet. After that, to save her car fare, Ethel walked home. So, no wonder she is late and tired.
Second Fairy. I see no preparations for a Thanksgiving dinner in this house.
First Fairy. Ethel's mother is ill. She has lain in bed some weeks, and may never get well. If she could go to the hospital and have good nursing, she might recover. But she will not leave her little girls. She thinks she can look after them, although so ill. But there is no prospect of a Thanksgiving dinner here. That is plain to see.
Second Fairy. What does Ethel do to earn money?
First Fairy. She is cash-girl and errand-girl in a milliner's establishment. Every one in the house wants her, and sends her on countless errands, so that madame herself is not so tired sometimes at night as my little Ethel there.
Second Fairy. Poor little soul! How much better off she would be if she were a fairy! I never heard of a sick or tired fairy. Did you?
First Fairy. No. But though we never feel fatigue nor suffer hardship, we sympathize with mortals.
Second Fairy. Oh yes, we do!
First Fairy. Now I am thinking.
Second Fairy. What?