Page:Popular Tales and Romances of the Northern Nations (Volume 3).djvu/47

Rh Maria stood for some moments struck motionless with astonishment; as, however, her surprize was accompanied with extreme delight, she soon recovered herself sufficiently to address one of the children whom she there saw, with the familiar confidence natural to her age.

“Art thou come hither, at length, to be our companion?” enquired the little creature, to whom she addressed herself. “Full oft have we beheld thee running and gamboling without the boundary of our abode.”

“But I have been told strange tales by Andrew, who has frequently said, that only gypsies and goblins were to be found here;—but then, from without, the place has, to be sure, a very horrible appearance.”

“Do but remain with us,” replied the child, “and you will discover what varied delights attend us here.” She then plucked a certain fruit of most delicious flavour, and presented it to Maria, who having tasted of it, instantly forgot the anxiety her absence might cause, and felt as if she was to remain in this new habitation.