The Shepherdess and the Chimney Sweep (3)

The Shepherdess and the Chimney Sweep (3)

Close to them stood another figure, three times as large as they were and also made of china.

He was an old Chinaman, who could nod his head, and used to pretend that he was the grandfather of the shepherdess, although he could not prove it.
He however assumed authority over her.



And therefore when “Major-General-Field-Sergeant-Commander Billy-goat’s-legs” asked for permission to marry the little Shepherdess, he nodded his head.  

“You will have a husband,” said the old Chinaman to her.
" I really believe he is made of mahogany. And he has the whole cupboard full of silver plate, which he keeps locked up in secret drawers. He will make you a lady of Major-General-Field-Sergeant-Commander Billy-Goat's-Legs. 
 

“I won’t go into the dark cupboard !,” said the little Shepherdess.
“I have heard that he has eleven china wives there already.”

“Then you shall be the twelfth,” said the old Chinaman.
“Tonight as soon as you hear a rattling in the old cupboard, you shall be married. "
And then he nodded his head and fell asleep.

(3/9)