Page:Popular Tales and Romances of the Northern Nations (Volume 3).djvu/48

36 Her companion now conducted her to a beautiful female, richly attired in drapery of surprizing lustre and brilliancy, and decorated with the most costly ornaments, such as Maria had never before seen. The lady welcomed her affectionately, and inquired whether she was content to exchange her parents’ cottage for such a residence and to dwell with them.

“Most willingly,” exclaimed the delighted child. “Here are already so many charming flowers, so many sweet fruits; that our garden, looks sterile and dreary, although I once deemed it a paradise, compared with what then appeared to me, a desolate spot, and uninhabited, save by hissing reptiles, or beings even still more foul.”

The lady smiled and withdrew, leaving her to the numerous little companions, who now presented themselves to Maria, requesting that she would become the associate of their sports. Some fondly caressed her, and invited her to join them in a dance; others sought to divert her by their songs, and others by curious toys. With none, however, did she feel inclined to