The Shepherdess and the Chimney Sweep (5)

The Shepherdess and the Chimney Sweep (5)

The two were rather frightened at this, so they jumped into the drawer of the window-seat.

In there were three or four packs of cards not quite complete, and a doll’s theatre, where a comedy was being performed.

All the queens of diamonds, clubs, hearts, and spades sat in the first row,  fanning themselves with tulips.
And behind them stood all the knaves.



The play was about two lovers who were not allowed to marry, and the Shepherdess wept because it was so like her own story.

" I cannot bear it," she said.
" I must get out of the drawer. "

But when they reached the floor, and cast their eyes on the table, they saw the old Chinaman was awake.

He shook his whole body until all at once down he came on the floor, “plump.”

" The old Chinaman is coming,” cried the little Shepherdess in fright, and down she fell on one knee.
" There was nothing left for us but to go out into the wide world. " 
 
(5/9)