“And so I had given up the treacherous wolf of the forest,” she replied; “but, godmother, it strikes me you have come back. I am not quite sure, because the wolf and you change forms. I want to ask you a question or two, to find out whether you are really godmother or really wolf. May I?”

“Yes, Jenny, yes.” But Riah glanced towards the door, as if he thought his principal might appear there, unseasonably.

“If you’re afraid of the fox,” said Miss Jenny, “you may dismiss all present expectations of seeing that animal. He won’t show himself abroad, for many a day.”

“What do you mean, my child?”