The SNOW-CHILD (17)

The SNOW-CHILD (17)

Now she will be comfortable ! " he cried, rubbing his hands and looking about him with the pleasantest smile you ever saw.

Sad, sad and drooping, looked the little white maiden as she stood on the hearth-rug with the hot blast of the stove striking through her.

Once she threw a glance towards the windows and caught a glimpse of the snow-covered roofs, and the stars glimmering frostily.

" Come, wife, give her some warm supper as soon as the milk boils, " said the good man and turning the collar of his coat up over his ears, he went out of the house, and had barely reached the street-gate when he was recalled by the scream of Violet and peony.

" husband ! Husband ! " cried his wife.
" There is no need of going for the child's parents. "

" We told you so, Father ! " screamed Violet and Peony, as he re-entered the parlour.
" You would bring her in : and now our poor ーdear ー little snow-sister is thawed ! "

In the utmost perplexity, he demanded an explanation of his wife.

(17/18)