Meanwhile the rest of the fairies sat silent and rather mournful, awaiting developments.
Then a Thought-fairy flew in. Thought-fairies can see into your heart and know just what you think. They get terrible shocks sometimes.
"I've been all over the world," she said breathlessly, "and it's much better than you think. All little girls believe in us and—" She paused dramatically.
"Yes?" they said eagerly.
"All fathers of little girls believe in us."
The Queen shook her head.
"They only pretend," she said.
"No, that's just it," said the Thought-fairy. "They pretend to pretend. They never tell anyone, but they really believe."
"Then we'll end the strike," said the Queen.