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 Rh an apple-tree! Three beautiful things have been spoilt for me to-day because of them," said Shiana.

"That is not the worst part of the story," said the Black Man; "but if a neighbour comes in and sits in the chair, you will have to give him house-room, free of rent, because you won't be able to put him out when you have got him stuck in the chair."

"Good gracious me! What shall I do if there are three people stuck at home before me now?" said Shiana. "Perhaps, sir, you would be able to release them. Come along. You are welcome a thousand times."

"Patience, patience, Shiana!" said the Black Man. "There is nobody stuck yet. You were churlish a while ago, and now 'I am welcome a thousand times.' Ah! Shiana, that is a welcome for your own good."

"Well, the way the case stands, sir" said Shiana, and he looked up at the horns and down at the hoof.

"Oh, I see," said the Black Man. "You don't like the make of this shoe, nor the kind of ornament that is on my head. Never mind that. When you get used to them you will find no fault with them at all."

"Why, indeed and indeed now, sir," said Shiana, "believe me, I was not thinking of them. But if the neighbours were to see you they would be frightened, and harm might be done perhaps."

"The very thing! Haven't I just told you there was no fear that anybody would see me but yourself?" said the Black Man.

"Very well," said Shiana. "Come along."

.—Oh, goodness, Peg! I think if I were to