s, and decked with
feathers of gold and silver. And the birds were not shy, but allowed
the children to take them in their hands at pleasure. In the midst of
the garden stood the dwelling-house, built of glass and precious stones,
so that the roof and walls shone like the sun. A lady clad in beautiful
robes sat on a bench before the door, and asked her daughter, "Who is
this guest you have brought with you?" Her daughter answered, "I found
her alone in the wood, and brought her with me for company. Won't you
allow her to stay here?" The mother smiled, but did not speak, and
scanned Elsie sharply from head to foot. Then she told Elsie to come
nearer, patted her cheek, and asked in a friendly way where she lived,
whether her parents were still alive, and if she would like to stay
here. Elsie kissed the lady's hand and fell down and embraced her knees,
and then answered, weeping, "My mother has long been at rest under the
turf--

"My mother was borne to the grave,
And none left to comfort or save.

"It is true that my father still lives, but this is small comfort to me
when my stepmother hates me, and beats me unmercifully every day. I
cannot do anything to please her. O my dearest lady, let me stay here!
Let me mind the flocks, or set me to any other work and I will do
anything, and will be always obedient to you, but don't send me back to
my stepmother. She would beat me almost to death, because I did not go
back with the other village children." The lady smiled, and answered,
"We will see what we can do for you." Then she rose from the bench and
went into the house. Meantime the daughter said to Elsie, "Take comfort,
for my mother is friendly to you. I can see in her face that she will
consent to our wishes as soon as she has had time to think over the
matter." She then followed her mother into the house, leaving Elsie
waiting outside. Elsie's heart palpitated with hope and fear, and she
waited anxiously for the decision which was to be announced to her.

After a time the daughter came out again with a box of toys in her hand,
and said, "My mother says we are to play together while she considers
what is to be done about you. I hope you will stay here, for I don't
want to let you leave me again. Have you been for a row on the lake?"
Elsie stared, and asked, "On the lake! What is that? I never heard
anything about it." "You'll see presently," said the young lady, taking
off the lid of the box. It contained a le