The many bracelets and other jewellery were all gone. So complete was the transformation that Elsie stood staring, not knowing what to believe.
"I told you I was a fairy," the lady said, in a kind, but sad, voice. "You must not be surprised to see me so changed. To-morrow I may change again. A fairy is all sorts of things, you know."
"Ye—es, ma'am," Elsie said, doubtfully.
"I dare say you think that a fairy can change other people as well as herself, do you not?"
"Yes, ma'am; fairies do that in books," Elsie replied.
"Well, and I tell you I am a fairy," the lady said, a little sharply; "and I am going to change you."
"What is she going to change us into, Elsie?" asked the matter-of-fact Duncan.
"Ah! what?" the lady asked, with a laugh. "Shall I change you into two little Highland sheep scampering over the hills, and feeding upon grass?"
"Oh no!" Elsie said quickly; but Duncan, whose mind never readily accepted a new idea, only replied stolidly, "You couldn't, you know."
"Don't be so sure of that," the lady replied. "But I am not going to. I am going to make you into my own little children."