Notes

D. That night they went to the lane. They stood at the foot of an old tree. Hours went by; but they saw nothing, and heard nothing. At last the old woman said, " I can hear something com- ing from the river." Then she said, " I can see the fairies. There they are! Your wife is riding on the outside, so as to be near you as she goes by." Then John heard a noise, as of many little things speaking, like birds far away. The noise came nearer; there were persons going by; but he could not see who they were. Then the old woman cried, " Now! " John put out his arms; and in his arms he saw his wife. Then the noise became very great. There was crying and call- ing. Little hands caught at his wife to take her away. Little hands hit him; little mouths bit him. Then day began to come into the sky, and the skv, and the fairies ran away. John had his wife in his arms. Her eyes were shut. He took her home; and she was very ill for many days. At last she opened her eyes. She got out of bed. Then she cleaned the house and washed the children. John and his wife lived happily ever after.