But, fallen long since from their powerful and high estate, these village fairies had grown as simple as the people among whom they lived.

They were invited to baptisms, and a place at table was laid for them in the room next the mother's.

At these festivals they ate alone and came and went without any one's knowing; people avoided spying upon their movements for fear of displeasing them.

It is the custom of divine personages to go and come in secret.

They gave gifts to new-born infants.