When the itinerant peddler chanced to encounter an enchanted barrier
of lavender blooms deep in the forest, he proceeded cautiously, but not
cautiously enough. No trace of him remained.

The peddler’s wife, alarmed when her good husband failed to return
home, searched the woods for days. At last, she stumbled into the
presence of the enchanted lavender barrier. More cautious than her good
husband, she paused and sat down to think.

“If, strange and beautiful barrier, you are enchanted as I believe
you are, you will grant me one wish,” said the peddler’s wife.

“You are observant and thoughtful,” said the barrier. “State your desire.”

“Return to me my husband fully as merry as always he was,” said Gerda, the wife.

No sooner said than done. The barrier disappeared. The good husband
stood baffled, but merry. The pair returned home and lived happily ever
after.