FAIRYLAND. 97

beetle was quietly seated. The little maid did
not see what the brown beetle saw, — the tiny
elfin face hidden deep in the flower, and who
had spoken the words that had startled her.

Although Wassa could not discover the
being who had spoken the words she wanted to
hear, she resolved to follow the directions, and
at once continued her way up the hill, the blue
dragon-fly flitting before, sometimes disappear-
ing, and again returning to circle about her
head.

In this manner the summit of the hill was
reached, and Wassa, tired from her rapid
journey, and excited at the bold step she was
to take, sat down to rest and look about her.
Never before had she been to the very top of
the hill, and she gazed in bewilderment at the
great world before her.

Miles of woodland stretched away to the
beautiful blue ocean, with innumerable ponds
and streams between, while far away in the
distance rose the dim peaks.of high mountains.
From this scene Wassa’s gaze came back to
objects near at hand,—sturdy fir trees and
lofty pines. Then her eyes fell on a tall,
straight maple tree that stood in front Ofeher.