the housework, and showed that she knew all about him. At length she drew the ashes off the egg, and put it on the plate.
“It shines like silver now,” said Colin.
“That is a sign it is quite done,” said she, and set it before him.
Colin had never tasted anything half so nice. And he had never seen such a quantity of meat in an egg. Before he had finished it he had made a hearty meal. But, in the meantime, the old woman said—
“Shall I tell you a story while you have your dinner?”
“Oh, yes, please do,” answered Colin. “You told me such stories before!”
“Jenny,” said the old woman, “my wool is all done. Get me some more.”
And from behind the bed out came a sober-coloured, but large and beautifully-shaped hen. She walked sedately across the floor, putting down her feet daintily, like a prim matron as she was, and stopping by the door, gave a cluck, cluck .