omens; many of them still
believe in the good folk, and Mr O'Brian, who was of a very easygoing
disposition, was quite satisfied with this explanation.

* * * * *

Some weeks passed. Karl and Norah became better friends every day. All
Karl's previous notions of the universe had been knocked on the head by
his visit to dwarfland. He had thought that he knew almost everything
that there was to be known, but now he was always on the look-out for
surprises. Moreover his love for Norah had opened his eyes. Every bush
seemed ablaze with fire, and the roses and pinks in the gardens smelt as
they had never smelt before.

Norah was like a fairy princess; she was not easy to win, she loved her
freedom, and wished to call no man lord and master. Because she was such
a wild bird and of a poetic and dreamy temperament, Karl's practical
mind appealed to her. He possessed that which she and her father lacked.
She was tired of her father's promises and castles in the air, which
usually ended in bitter disappointment. How many guests had they had
since Hotel Fancy had been opened? She could almost count them on her
fingers. The peasants frequented the old inn that they were accustomed
to in the village, and very few strangers came their way.

"I will play waiter on Sunday and help you," said Karl one Saturday
evening when he had returned from his work.

"Indeed and you'll not need to," said Norah with a pretty Irish lilt in
her voice, "it's not many people that will be coming! It will be
different of course when the new station is built; then we shall be
flourishing," she continued.

* * * * *

It was a fine Sunday afternoon. Karl and Norah sat in the garden under
the plane-trees which made a chequered pattern in shadow on the ground,
and sipped glasses of Apfelwein or cider in German fashion.

"It was a queer thing that we two should meet in the little people's
land. It seems as if we were meant to pull together, doesn't it?" said
Karl with an effort.

Norah jumped up immediately, saying that she must see if the water was
boiling for coffee.

"No, no," said Karl catching her by the hand; "you are not going to run
away like that; you've just got to listen to me, Norah; for I can't keep
it in any longer. You are my fairy princess--I love you with all my
heart, and I want you to promise me to be my little wife--will you?"

"You don't know me yet," said Norah blushi