Page:Little Ellie and Other Tales (1850).djvu/117

Rh Chinese, we will keep the wedding. And then he nodded his head, and fell asleep.

But the little Shepherdess wept, and looked at her beloved—at the porcelain Chimney-sweep.

“I implore you,” said she, “fly hence with me into the wide world: for here it is impossible for us to remain.”

“I will do all you ask,” said the little Chimney-sweep. “Let us instantly leave this place. I think my trade will enable me to support you.”

“If we were only down from the table,” said she. “I shall not be happy till we are far from here, and free.”

He consoled her, and showed her how she was to set her little foot on the carved border and on the gilded foliage which twined around the leg of the table, brought his ladder to her assistance, and at last both were on the floor; but when they looked towards the old clothes-press, they observed a great stir. All the carved stags stretched their heads out farther, raised their antlers, and turned round their heads. The Gen-