Page:Sologub Sweet Scented Name.djvu/109

 "Greeting, dear sisters, dear woodland princesses!"

Clearly, clearly, like a little golden bell, sounded the voice of Elèna, and clear as the ringing of golden bells came in answer the gentle laughter of the three as they said:

"We are princesses—who art thou?"

"Thou should'st be the queen of this place."

Sadness tinged Elèna's voice as she answered:

"How could I be a queen? No crown of gold is mine; my heart is full of sadness for the loss of my beloved. No one can crown me more."

The sisters smiled no longer. Elèna heard the quiet voice of the eldest sister:

"Why this earthly grief? Thy beloved is dead, but is he not ever with thee? Thy heart is sad, but in the remembrance of him canst thou not rejoice? Canst thou not raise thy desires to flow in union with the Heavenly Will? Dost thou not desire to be crowned here as our queen?"

"Ah, I do desire it," cried Elèna, and she trembled with joy and shining tears sparkled in her blue eyes.

Once more a question came: