“I hope you won't say so ten years after this.” “I'm going to be a coachman, and a coachman is not a gentleman,” persisted Diamond. “We call your father a gentleman in our house,” said North Wind. “He doesn't call himself one,” said Diamond. “That's of no consequence: every man ought to be a gentleman, and your father is one.” Diamond was so pleased to hear this that he scratched at the paper like ten mice, and getting hold of the edge of it, tore it off. The next instant a young girl glided across the bed, and stood upon the floor. “Oh dear!” said Diamond, quite dismayed; “I didn't know--who are you, please?” “I'm North Wind.” “Are you really?” “Yes. Make haste.” “But you're no bigger than me.” “Do you think I care about how big or how little I am? Didn't you see me this evening? I was less then.” “No. Where was you?” “Behind the leaves of the primrose. Didn't you see them blowing?” “Yes.” “Make haste, then, if you want to go with me.” “But you are not big enough to take care of me. I think you are only Miss North Wind.” “I am big enough to show you the way, anyhow. But if you won't come, why, you must stay.” “I must dress myself. I didn't mind with a grown lady, but I couldn't go with a little girl in my night-gown.” “Very well. I'm not in such a hurry as I was the other night. Dress as fast as you can, and I'll go and shake the primrose leaves till you come.” “Don't hurt it,” said Diamond. North Wind broke out in a little laugh like the breaking of silver bubbles, and was gone in a moment. Diamond saw--for it was a starlit night, and the mass of hay was at a low ebb now--the gleam of something vanishing down the stair, and, springing out of bed, dressed himself as fast as ever he could. Then he crept out into the yard, through the door in the wall, and away to the primrose. Behind it stood North Wind, leaning over it, and looking at the flower as if she had been its mother. “Come along,” she said, jumping up and holding out her hand. Diamond took her hand. It was cold, but so pleasant and full of life, it was better than warm. She led him across the garden. With one bound she was on the top of the wall. Diamond was left at the foot. “Stop, stop!” he cried. “Please, I can't jump like that.” “You don't try,” said North Wind, who from the top looked down a foot taller than before. “Give me your hand again, and I will, try,” said Diamond. She reached down, Diamond laid hold of her hand, gave a great spring, and stood beside her. “This is nice!” he said. Another bound, and they stood in the road by the river. It was full tide, and the stars were shining clear in its depths, for it lay still, waiting for the turn to run down again to the sea. They walked along its side. But they had not walked far before its surface was covered with ripples, and the stars had vanished from its bosom.