Page:Little Ellie and Other Tales (1850).djvu/119

Rh the old Chinese was awake, and that his whole body was rocking.

“The old Chinese is coming!” cried the little Shepherdess; and down she fell on her porcelain knee, so frightened was she.

“A thought has struck me,” said the Chimney-sweep; “let us creep into the great Pot-pourri Jar that stands in the corner; there we can lie on roses and lavender, and if he comes after us, throw dust in his eyes.”

“’Tis of no use,” said she. “Besides, I know that the old Chinese and the Pot-pourri Jar were once betrothed; and when one has been once on such terms, a little regard always lingers behind. No; for us there is nothing left but to wander forth into the wide world.”

“Have you really courage to go forth with me into the wide world?” asked the Chimney-sweep tenderly. “Have you considered how large it is, and that we can never come back here again?”

“I have thought of all that,” said she.

And the Sweep gazed fixedly upon her,