Page:The fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen (c1899).djvu/30

 “I wish we were but safe down from the table!” said she. “I shall not be easy till we are out in the wide world.”

And he comforted her, and showed her how she might set her little foot on the carved projections and gilt foliage of the feet of the table; besides, he took his ladder to help, and so they managed to reach the floor. But when they looked towards the old cupboard, they saw it was all in an uproar. The carved stags poked out their heads, raised their antlers, and turned their necks. The General-and-Lieutenant-General-Goat-Bandylegs-Field-Sergeant was cutting tremendous capers, and bawling out to the Chinese: “They are running away! they are running away!”

The fugitives were somewhat frightened, and jumped into the drawer in the window-seat.

Here lay several packs of cards, that were not complete, and a little dolls’ theatre, which had been built up as neatly as could be. A play was being represented, and all the queens, whether of hearts or diamonds, spades or clubs, sat in the front row, fanning themselves with their tulips; and behind them stood all the knaves, and showed that they had heads both upwards and downwards as playing-cards have. The play was about two lovers, who were not allowed to marry; and the shepherdess cried, for it seemed just like her own story.

“I cannot bear it,” said she; “I must leave the drawer.” But when they had reached the floor, and looked up at the table, there was the old Chinese awake, and shaking himself—and down he came on the floor like a lump.

“The old Chinese is coming!” shrieked the little shepherdess, falling on her china knee, for she was much affected.