“Do you think so?” said she; and then they climbed up to the table, and
stood in their old places.
“As we have done no good,” said the chimney-sweep, “we might as well
have remained here, instead of taking so much trouble.”
“I wish grandfather was riveted,” said the shepherdess. “Will it cost
much, I wonder?”
And she had her wish. The family had the Chinaman’s back mended, and
a strong rivet put through his neck; he looked as good as new, but he could
no longer nod his head.
“You have become proud since your fall broke you to pieces,” said
Major-general-field-sergeant-commander Billy-goat’s-legs. “You have no
reason to give yourself such airs. Am I to have her or not?”
The chimney-sweep and the little shepherdess looked piteously at the old
Chinaman, for they were afraid he might nod; but he was not able: besides,
it was so tiresome to be always telling strangers he had a rivet in the back of
his neck.
And so the little china people remained together, and were glad of the
grandfather’s rivet, and continued to love each other till they were broken to
pieces.
