t. Mortals are
a higher race than ourselves, it is true; but that is only because
they live atop o' the earth, while we are under their feet. They make
a great parade about their little ticking jewel they call Conscience;
but, after all, they will any of them sell it for one of our
ear-rings! I assure you they love money better than their own souls;
and I would advise you, as a friend that has seen the world, to load
yourself with as much gold as you can carry."

So Moneta donned a heavy dress of spun gold, which was woven in such a
manner, that, at every motion she made, it let fall a shower of
gold-dust. She filled the sleeves with sardonyx, almandine, and
amethyst; and hid in her bosom diamonds and sapphires enough to
purchase a kingdom.

Then she went up a steep ladder, and knocked on the alabaster ceiling,
using the charm which the gnome had given her:--

"Mother Earth, Mother Earth, set me free!"

At her words there was a sound as of an earthquake, and a little space
was made, just large enough for her to crawl through. When she had
reached the top, the earth closed again, and she was left seated upon
a rock; and the light of the sun was so dazzling, that she hid her
face in her hands.

Thus she sat for a long time, not knowing whither to go, till a young
man chanced to come that way, who said, "What do you here?"

She raised her face at his words, and could not speak, so great was
her surprise at the beauty of the strange youth. He, for his part,
could not help smiling; for she was as yellow as an orange; and an
uglier little creature he had never beheld: but he said in a kind
voice,--

"Come with me to my mother's house, and you shall be refreshed with
cake and wine."

She arose to follow him; and, as she walked, a bright shower of
gold-dust sprinkled the earth at every step.

The young man held out his hands eagerly to catch the shining spray,
thinking he would like such a rarely-gifted damsel for his wife; and,
in truth, he smiled so sweetly, and dropped such winning words, that
in time he won her heart and she became his bride.

"And, when she cam' into the kirk,
She shimmered like the sun;
The belt that was about her waist
Was a' with pearles bedone."

So great was her love for him, that she forgot her lost home under the
earth; and every day, when she bade her husband "good-morning," she
placed in his hand a precious stone; and he kissed her, calling her
his "dear Moneta