"Just down the lane, close by."

"You do, do you? I didn't see no house," said the fairy, in a startled voice.

"That's because mother and father are out, and there's no light in the front room," replied Bessy.

"Are you all alone?" asked the fairy.

"No," replied Bessy; "Ann and Lucy are at home."

"Who's them?"

"Mamma's two servants."

"Any men at the house?"

"Not now," answered Bessy. "Mother took Peter to drive. They'll be back soon, I think."

The old fairy turned out the light and sat down on the ground; then she pulled Bessy down by her, and put her hand on the little girl's shoulder. "Now remember," she began, "you promise never to tell nobody."