r face toward the country where the music goes. But, though she
gazed till her eyes ached, she never saw her long-lost home, nor so
much as a glimpse of one of its spires.

One night, after gazing and weeping till she could scarcely see, and
had no tears left, the bright being who visited her dreams came and
whispered,--

"If there be a land so fair
O'er the mountain shining,
You will never enter there
By looking up and pining."

"Dear me! then what shall I do?" said Little One, clasping her hands.
"I am tired of the dropping rain, and the bleak winds; I have lost my
father and mother; I long to go home to the Summer-land."

"There are hills to climb, and streams to cross," said the fairy.

"But I have stout shoes," laughed Little One.

"There are thorns and briers all along the road."

"But I can bear to be pricked."

"Then I will guide you," said the fairy.

"How can that be?" cried the child. "You come to me in dreams; but by
daylight I cannot see so much as the tips of your wings."

"Listen, and you will hear my voice," replied the fairy. "Set out
toward the East, at dawn, to-morrow, and I will be with you."

When Little One awoke, the sun was rising, and she said,--

"Oh that golden gate! The sun has left it open: do you see it,
beautiful lady?"

"I see it," whispered the fairy: "I am close beside you."

"Then," said Little One, fastening her dress, and putting on all the
jewels she could possibly carry, "I think I will set out at once; for,
if I make all speed, I may reach the Summer-land before that golden
gate is closed."

She pressed on, as the fairy directed, up a steep hill, her eyes
fixed on the glowing eastern sky. But, as the sun strode up higher,
the morning clouds melted away.

"Where is my golden gate?" cried the child.

"Weeping so soon?" whispered the fairy.

"Do not scold me, dear Whisper," moaned the child; "you know I have
lost my kind father and mother; and the thorns prick me; and then this
is such a lonely road; there is nobody to be seen."

The truth was, there were children gathering strawberries on the hill,
and old women digging herbs; but Little One did not see them, for she
was all the while watching the sky. But she was soon obliged to pause,
and take breath.

"Look about you," said the Whisper, "you may see some one as unhappy
as yourself."

The child looked, and saw a little girl driving a goat; while large
tears trickled down her cheeks,