And, predictably enough, midnight brings Father Christmas.

"Merry Christmas, merry Christmas," he says, nodding to both of them. "And here are your presents. For you, Isabella daughter of Eve, a pair of shoes which you will find allow you to walk on air; and a fire-starter which will light fires in whatever colour you please, and its fires will always be very congenial about matters such as available fuel and what things they are and are not meant to burn." He hands her a pair of bundles, one rather larger than the other.