stars
on the toes, and round her neck she had a string of turquoises set in
diamonds.

Poor Cherry was very much hurt and mortified when she saw her beloved
master with all those lovely ladies, but oh, how miserable she felt when
she saw him kiss the lovely lady in blue and silver! She did not say
anything, though,--indeed, she had no one to speak to,--and she went about
her work as usual, but the next morning when her master came into the
garden and began to talk to her as usual she answered him quite shortly
and rudely, and when he asked her what was the matter with her, she told
him to leave her to herself. If he wanted to talk he could go and talk to
the Little People he was so fond of.

Her master was very much surprised and annoyed when he heard this, for he
knew that she had been disobedient, and had used the Fairy Ointment.
He did not scold her, though, but he told her simply and mournfully, and
in a tone which gave her no hope, that they must part.

"You will have to go home, Cherry; you have disobeyed my orders. I can
have no one spying and watching me. I must send you away, my child."
He spoke so sadly that Cherry's heart felt as though it must break.
"And I must have Aunt Prudence back," he added, with a sigh.

Very, very unhappy was poor Cherry when she went to bed that night, and
she had only just cried herself to sleep when her master came and woke
her, telling her to get up and dress. Without a word, but choked with
sobs, she obeyed him, and when she was ready she found him waiting for
her, with a lantern and a large bundle of beautiful clothes that he had
tied up for her.

As soon as they had had some food they started, and miles and miles and
miles they walked, for the way seemed ten times as long as when they came.
For one thing it was all uphill now, and for another, Cherry's heart was
heavy, and a heavy heart makes heavy feet.

It was nearly daybreak when at last they reached the Lady Downs, and came
to a standstill. The sun was just rising over the great lonely moor.

"We must part now, my poor child," said her master. "You are severely
punished for your curiosity, but it cannot be otherwise. Good-bye,
Cherry; do your duty, and try to get the better of your failing, and if
you are a good girl I will come to these Downs sometimes to see you."

Then kissing her, he turned away and disappeared as suddenly as he had
first appeared.

Dazed and stupefied, scarcely able to realize all the