The Shepherdess and the Chimney Sweep (6)

The Shepherdess and the Chimney Sweep (6)

" I have thought of something," said the Chimney-Sweep.
 " Let us get into the great pot-pourri jar which stands in the corner. There we can lie on rose-leaves and lavender, and throw salt in his eyes if he comes near us."   

"No, that will never do, " she said, " because I know that the Chinaman and the pot-pourri jar were lovers once, and there always remains behind a feeling of good-will between them. No, there is nothing left for us but to go out into the wide world. "   

" Have you really courage enough to go out into the wide world with me? " said the Chimney-Sweep, "have you thought how large it is, and that we can never come back here again? "    

“Yes, I have,” she replied.
 
When the Chimney-Sweep saw that she was quite determined, he said, " My way is through the stove and up the chimney. I'll take you through that way. 
Have you courage to creep with me through the fire-box, and the iron pipe? When we get to the chimney I shall know how to manage very well. We shall soon climb too high for anyone to reach us, and we'll go through a hole in the top out into the wide world."

So the Chimney-Sweep led the Shepherdess to the door of the stove.

(6/9)