ls, are attracted by what is akin to themselves.

She was descended from a race called kobolds or goblins; and she loved
all the metals which lie under the earth as well as the living things
which crawl up out of its bosom.

So acute were her ears, that she heard Zora's steps from a great
distance. She brushed back her elf-locks, and gave a low grunt like
some wild beast. It pleased her that the Lady Zora should find need of
her counsel; but, when Zora had reached the cave, the cunning fairy
pretended to be sleeping, and started up in seeming surprise.

"What brings a body here at this time of night?" said she.

"I am Lady Zora. I have come, sweet fairy, to beg a favor. The
Princess Hilda is hateful to me: work one of your charms on her, and
let me see her face no more."

The old fairy pricked up her ears and said to herself, "Ha! ha! I
will have nice sport out o' this!" then said aloud, "Say, what harm
has the princess done to my rosebud, my lily, my pride?"

Zora's eyes flashed. "Prince Reginald has seen her; and to see her is
to love her. My heart is set on wedding Prince Reginald. Take her out
of his way!"

Just then a broad gleam of moonlight fell on the treacherous maiden.
It was strange how much she looked like the cruel fairy; and Gerula
gazed on her with delight.

"My beautiful viper!" said she, using the sweetest pet-name she could
think of, "I will do your bidding. But first say what you will give me
if I put Hildegarde out of your way."

Then she chuckled, and rubbed her hands in great glee. Zora started
back in alarm.

"I did not know you sold your charms for gold; but I would give you
half my fortune if need be, any thing, to be rid of Hilda."

The fairy chuckled again. "Just the damsel for me," thought she.

"I will give you a diamond necklace," said Zora: "it is worth a small
kingdom, and was given me by my cousin Hilda. You can surely ask no
more?"

"Diamonds!" said the goblin, snapping her fingers. "What think you I
care for them? Do I not tire of stooping to pick them up? for they are
given me by my cousins, the gnomes, any day. No diamonds for me! Keep
them and your gold. I ask but one thing, my dear."

Here she spoke in low hissing tones, more terrible than her loudest
croakings.

"Promise me, if you do not marry Prince Reginald, you will let me
change you into a charming green snake."

"Alas!" cried Zora, turning pale, "who ever heard of such a cruel
request?"

"Cruel, am I?"