“Listen,” said he. “Never before in all my life have I seen anyone as beautiful as you, nor one whom I could love as already I love you. Tell me, I pray, who you are. Only some great lady or princess could be as beautiful as you.” Matilda was filled with joy when the count said he loved her, but immediately after she became sad, for she thought that if he learned she was only a kitchen-maid in his castle, he would no longer care for her. “Look, I beg of you,” she said, “and see whether there is not some one listening at the door.” The count thought Matilda wished to tell him some secret, and he at once went to the door to make sure that no one could overhear it. Matilda drew the wooden ball from her pocket and whispered: “Light to guide me, Dark to hide me, Let no harm nor ill betide me.” At once she became invisible, and she slipped past the count and hurried back to the castle. When the count turned, he was very much surprised to find that his beautiful partner had disappeared. He could not imagine what had become of her. He hunted for her everywhere, and asked every one which way she had gone, but no one had seen her. He was very much disquieted at this. However, there was to be another ball the next night, and Count Conrad felt sure Matilda would appear at it also. This time he was determined she should not leave him until he knew who she was and whence she came. To make sure of this, he decided to set a guard about the house, with orders to follow any strange lady who passed out alone, and watch where she went. All the next day but little was to be heard anywhere but talk of the wonderful stranger, of how beautiful she had been, and how magnificently dressed, and of how much the count had admired her. Every one wondered whether she would appear again at the second ball. When evening came, Matilda made haste to finish her work, and then stole away to her little garret room. Taking the ball in her hand, she said: “Little ball, now serve me right, Grant the wish I wish to-night. I wish I may have a gown even more beautiful than the one I wore last night, and all ornaments that should go with it.” At once the room was filled with light, and Matilda saw, lying upon the bed, a gown made entirely of cloth of gold, and set with precious stones. There were jewels for her neck and arms, and a pair of golden slippers that shone like glass. Matilda dressed in haste, and throwing a dark cloak over her, she stole away through the night to the ball. Count Conrad had been watching for her. He would, indeed, look at no one else, and as soon as she entered, he hastened to her side. If she had been beautiful the night before, she was far more so now. Then she had shone like the moon, but now she glittered like the sun, so that it dazzled the eyes to look at her.