Straight as a pillar she stood before the astonished boy, and the wounded bird had now spread out both its wings across her bosom, like some great mystical ornament of frosted silver.
'Oh, now I can never forget you!' cried Curdie.

'I see now what you really are!' 'Did I not tell you the truth when I sat at my wheel ?' said the old lady.
'Yes, ma'am,' answered Curdie.
'I can do no more than tell you the truth now,' she rejoined.

'It is a bad thing indeed to forget one who has told us the truth.

Now go.' Curdie obeyed, and took a few steps toward the door.

'Please, ma'am--what am I to call you ?' he was going to say; but when he turned to speak, he saw nobody.