"Oh, mother, _I_ am the most wretched fairy that ever existed. I don't want to marry that odious, red-haired stranger; and my father has made me promise that the wedding shall take place on Halloween--and I--I have consented. But I love Sir Timothy; and I wont marry any body but him," sobbed the poor creature, convulsively, as she cast herself upon the floor, and looked up to her mother, terrified and half frantic. "But, dearest, you know you laughed at poor Sir Timothy's vows--and he is so sensitive." "Oh, yes, I know I did, but I'll never do so any more. _If_ Sir Timothy will only come back and forgive me, and marry me, just this once, I will never, never offend him again as long as I live--never, never, never! Do, mamma, do make him come back!" "Poor child! I will certainly do all I can. But you have promised to be married on Halloween." "Oh, yes, but that is a good fortnight off, and you can bring Sir Timothy back before then, you know, and he can kill this horrid stranger, and then every body will be _so_ happy!" and the face of the volatile creature began already to re-clothe itself in smiles. "I fear you are mistaken, love," said her mother, solemnly, and shaking her head in an impressive manner, she added, "do not deceive yourself with such fallacies, my daughter; your princely word is passed, your father's royal honor is pledged, and you must be married on Halloween." The lady Dewbell, sobbing hysterically, again looked up. She was alone; at the same moment the cat-and-baby face of Puck glanced by the window, and a wild, mischievous laugh melted away into a song, of which the lady only caught the two last lines: "He rideth fast, and he rideth well, But his heart still clings to the pretty Bell." "Oh, bless thee, dear Puck!" sighed the haply wondering lady, rising and leaning from the window. "May thy sweet prophecy come true!" PART III.