Page:Danish fairy and folk tales.djvu/117

 Katharine wondered much at her grandmother's words, and tried to find out, by looking in the mirror, whether the sunshine really did peep out of her eyes. She saw none; but one day after another she brought the beautiful sunshine to the old lady, who told her stories about kings and heroes until the little girl's eyes sparkled with joy.

When Kate became grown, she often thought of those happy days. She lived long enough to feel how necessary it is that childish eyes and smiles should bring sunshine into dark and dreary places, and how often our old friends need to feel the presence of a bright little ray amidst their sorrows and troubles.

For life is not all gladness and pleasure. Thank God, most of it is; but every bright day grows from a dark night!