at January raised his head and answered: "What brings thee here,
my daughter? What dost thou seek?"

"I am looking for violets," replied the maiden.

"This is not the season for violets. Dost thou not see the snow
everywhere?" said January.

"I know well, but my sister Helen and my stepmother have ordered me to
bring them violets from your mountain. If I return without them they
will kill me. I pray you, good shepherds, tell me where they may be
found."

Here the great January arose and went over to the youngest of the
Months, and, placing his wand in his hand, said:--

"Brother March, do thou take the highest place."

March obeyed, at the same time waving his wand over the fire.
Immediately the flames rose toward the sky, the snow began to melt and
the trees and shrubs to bud. The grass became green, and from between
its blades peeped the pale primrose. It was spring, and the meadows were
blue with violets.

"Gather them quickly, Marouckla," said March.

Joyfully she hastened to pick the flowers, and having soon a large bunch
she thanked them and ran home. Helen and the stepmother were amazed at
the sight of the flowers, the scent of which filled the house.

"Where did you find them?" asked Helen.

"Under the trees on the mountain-side," said Marouckla.

Helen kept the flowers for herself and her mother. She did not even
thank her stepsister for the trouble she had taken. The next day she
desired Marouckla to fetch her strawberries.

"Run," said she, "and fetch me strawberries from the mountain. They must
be very sweet and ripe."

"But whoever heard of strawberries ripening in the snow?" exclaimed
Marouckla.

"Hold your tongue, worm; don't answer me. If I don't have my
strawberries I will kill you," said Helen.

Then the stepmother pushed Marouckla into the yard and bolted the door.
The unhappy girl made her way toward the mountain and to the large
fire round which sat the Twelve Months. The great January occupied the
highest place.

"Men of God, may I warm myself at your fire? The winter cold chills me,"
said she, drawing near.

The great January raised his head and asked: "Why comest thou here? What
dost thou seek?"

"I am looking for strawberries," said she.

"We are in the midst of winter," replied January, "strawberries do not
grow in the snow."

"I know," said the girl sadly, "but my sister and stepmother have
ordered me to bring them strawberries. If I do not they will kill me.
Pray,