Kirk thanked his fortune that he had not
blundered in while the place was in use, for it had almost the
sacred air of a lady's boudoir.
Instead of promptly withdrawing, he allowed his admiration full
play, and stood staring for a long time. What a delightful nook in
which to dream away the days! It was dim and cool and still,
although outside its walls of green the afternoon sun was beating
down fiercely. A stranger might pass and never guess its presence.
It had been cunningly shaped by fairies, that was evident.
Doubtless it was peopled by them also, and his mistake had been in
coming upon it so suddenly. If he had approached with caution he
would surely have surprised them at their play, for yonder was the
music of their dances--that chuckling, singing waterfall could
serve no other purpose. Perhaps one was hidden under it at
present. Kirk was half tempted to conceal himself and wait for
them to reappear, though he knew that it requires extraordinary
cunning to deceive wood-sprites once they have been alarmed. But,
undoubtedly, they were somewhere close by, probably watching him
from behind the leaves, and if they were not such timid bodies he
might try to search them out.
As it was, he took a lingering, farewell look and turned to
retrace his steps, whereupon the queen fairy laughed at him
softly.
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