Читать книгу The One-Eyed Fairies онлайн

9 страница из 23

“I never did that so quickly before,” said Margaret.

“It’s all in knowing how,” replied Sir Bodkin looking very wise indeed out of his long one eye.

“To be sure,” said his little mistress, “and I’m so happy because soon I’m going to know how to sew and make lots of pretty things.”

“Indeed you are, My Lady,” said Sir Bodkin; “just call on us and you’ll always find us ready. But don’t forget that:

“Every little housewife should be a seamstress, too,

Call the One-Eyed Fairies, when there’s needle-work to do.

Clean white fingers guide us, helped by thimble trusty,

Slip us through an emery-bag, if you find us rusty.”

“I’ll remember that,” Margaret promised. “Oh! Sir Bodkin, look at all your subjects!” she said laughing. The King turned around and saw all the shining, glinting little One-Eyed Fairies peeping out curiously from the work-basket.

“Stick to us, stick to us,

Then you’ll never, never fuss,”

they were singing in a happy chorus.

“To your places!” ordered their King and they all disappeared. Then he made a low bow to Margaret and slipped away into the work-basket. Margaret laughed happily and ran off to show her mother what Sir Bodkin had helped her to do.