PRETTY
MAR-
USCHKA

 

youths; and the last three were the youngest and
fairest. They spake not, but looked intently on
the roaring flames. He who sat in the seat of
honour had a long staff in his hand. His hair
was white, and fluttering in the cold wind.
Maruschka was startled, and watched them
with astonishment for a little while; then muster-
ing courage, she stepped within the circle and

- Said :—

= OI

Ze, 06
apy) 4,
LM, s

“tire,

“Dear, good friends, please suffer me to warm
myself a little while at the fire, for, indeed, I am
perishing with cold.’ He with the flowing white
hair raised his head, and said—

“Yes, child, approach. But what brings you
here >?’

‘I am seeking violets,’ she answered.

‘Violets! It is not the time for violets, when the
snow lies deep?’

7O