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This is Jalline, the little beggar-girl from the bridge by the Hermitage. The Fairy Excellent, excellent! . . . I'd better wake your father and tell him the house won't be big enough; then he can start building at once. . . . Tyltyl But it's not my fault. I didn't do it on purpose. One can't help loving them! . . . How are you, Jalline? . . . What have you done with your poor old father? Jalline I left him at the bridge. Tyltyl What, all alone in the dark! And he blind and a cripple! Isn't that very dangerous? . . . Jalline (On the verge of tears.) Yes, I know it's wrong. It was very wrong of me, very. I won't do it again. But I couldn't help it, Tyltyl, really. When you called me, I couldn't stay where I was. Tyltyl (Kissing her.) There, there, don't cry. I'll help you to bring him home. . . . Do you remember, I did that once before, one evening when I was crossing the bridge and gave you a halfpenny: it was all I had! Jalline I've kept it ever since, Tyltyl. I put it in a box. I shall never lose it. Tyltyl (Kissing her again.) Oh, the sweet smell of lavender and thyme! . . . (This time the door opens slowly. Enter a sixth young girl. She is in evening-dress, with a fur cloak over her shoulders, and carries a fan in her hand.) Tyltyl Who is this? The Fairy But where do they all come from? At your age too! I should never have believed it ! ... Tyltyl But I didn't know ... (To THE Fairy.) Why, it's Rosarelle! . . . The mayor's daughter! . . . You know, from the great big farmhouse, with the three round turrets, at the other end of the village! . . . What shall I do? She's so proud! . . . The Fairy Not a bit; she won't be any prouder than the others. Speak to her and you'll see.. . . Tyltyl I'll never dare...