Ah! ask me an easier question; I am older than any one thinks. Why, I've perched on the eaves of Palmyra, And slept on the breast of the Sphynx. But yet I am young as the youngest, With a heart that can never grow old, For my work is Love's own inspiration, Defiant of hunger and cold. So, Fairies, to you let me bow my adieu. Come, sprites, with a whir and a flurry, To get this well done will be jolly great fun, But I tell you we'll all have to hurry. [_Exeunt_ Genius _and sprites_.] _First Fairy_. What a splendid fellow Genius of Thanksgiving is! So well preserved! _Second Fairy_. Doubtless he may live a thousand years yet. _First Fairy_. I hope he may. _Elgin_. As fine a fellow as ever breathed. But, Fairies, the morning dawns. Have you further commands for your most willing servant? _First Fairy_. No, thank you, boy. You have nobly done. We can only thank you. _Elgin_. The Fairies' thanks are sweet reward. I go, then, to my mountain cave, where all the day I lie and sleep, and when night comes I wake again and fly and run in the sparkling night air. [_Exit_ Elgin.] _Second Fairy_. This night's work could not have been done save for that merry boy. _First Fairy_. True. He is a treasure. But now we must remove the charm from Ethel, and waken her. [_Both advance to the bed, and stand one on each side of_ Ethel. Fairies _repeat the waking charm_:] Wake, dear one, wake; unclose thy rested eyelids; The night is gone, the beauteous morning breaks. The angels know the day will bring you gladness, So please accept the gifts that Heaven makes. [Ethel _stirs, the_ Fairies _step lightly towards the door_.] _Second Fairy_. They say mortals do not believe in us. _First Fairy_. Perhaps Ethel will when she sees the basket of good things which even now I hear the sprites leaving at the door. But let us hasten--the dawn will come. [_Exeunt_ Fairies. Ethel _moves, sits up on the bed, looks around the room, rubs her eyes, and seems bewildered_.] _Ethel_. Are they all gone? How beautiful--fairies and sprites in my poor little room! (_Smiles._) Only a dream, I suppose. But so real. What a funny old Genius of Thanksgiving it was! [_Laughs aloud._] _Enter_ Elise _with a note_. _Elise_. Oh, sister, I heard you laugh, so I knew you were awake; otherwise I would not have disturbed you, for you, poor thing, were so tired last night. But, Ethel, a most wonderful thing has happened. So wonderful, it seems like a dream. _Ethel_. The night abounds in dreams. I have had one. I must tell it, if I can. _Elise_. But hear mine first, dear. I think it was about two o'clock when I heard feet in the passageway and a noise at the door. I was frightened, but did not alarm mother; for why should burglars visit our poor home? After a while the noise ceased, and I ventured to get out of bed and softly open the door. There stood--what do you think, Ethel? _Ethel_. I know.