THE HISTORY OF A NUT-CRACKER. 45

aware of my good intentions with regard to you. Reckon,
then, upon my support when you require it; and in the
meantime, do not vex yourself. I will go straight to your
uncle, and beg him to assist you; and if he only loves you a
little, he is so clever that I am sure he can help you.”

In spite of the eloquence of this speech, the Nutcracker
did not move an inch; but it seemed to Mary that a sigh
came from behind the glass, the panes of which began to
sound very low, but wonderfully soft and pleasing; while it
appeared to Mary that a sweet voice, like a small silver bell,
said, ‘ Dear little Mary, thou art my guardian angel! Iwill
be thine, and Mary shall be mine!” And at these words, so
mysteriously heard, Mary felt a singular sensation of happi-
ness, in spite of the shudder which passed through her entire
frame.

Twilight had now arrived; and the judge returned home,
accompanied by Doctor Drosselmayer. In a few moments
Miss Trudchen got tea ready, and all the family were gath-
ered round the table, talking gaily. As for Mary, she had

 

been to fetch her little arm-chair, and had seated herself in
silence at the feet of Godfather Drosselmayer. Taking ad-
vantage of a moment when no one was speaking, she raised