We know her
kindness and her gentle heart, for the 'good folk' watch over the
children of the earth, and, unseen, we have followed her through all her
simple life. Pretty Ginnifer, tell us your trouble. The pixies cannot
bear to see you weep."
They stroked her hair with their tiny fingers, they bathed her eyes with
dewdrops and wiped them with the petals of a wild rose. At first Ginnifer
was frightened, but the little folk were so kind that she took courage
and told them her trouble. They began to dance and jump about with
delight, and clapped their little hands.
"Is that all?" they shouted. "Would he wed you if you were a great lady?
Tell us what dowry his father would expect his bride to bring?"
"Silks and jewels!" sobbed poor Ginnifer, "and rich embroidered dresses,
and trinkets of gold, and caskets of silver money! And I have nothing at
all!"
The pixies laughed lustily, throwing up their wee green caps into the air
and catching them again for sheer joy.
"Ginnifer dear! We'll find you your dowry! Quick! Let us set to work! We
must finish our task before daybreak.
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