Page:Tales and Legends from the Land of the Tzar.djvu/23

Rh not understand, and the mortar with the pestle descended from the clouds; up went the witch high into the air, and was out of sight in a moment, leaving Vaselesa alone in her glory. She at once set to work to explore her surroundings, when she suddenly recollected the work she had to do; so she ran to begin, when what was her surprise to see that the doll had done it all for her!

"Oh, my darling little helper!" cried Vaselesa. "You have saved me all the trouble. What on earth should I have done without you?"

"You have still to lay the table for dinner, and be a good girl. Remember that, and try to please Madam Witch in every possible way."

So saying, the doll climbed into Vaselesa's pocket.

All was quite ready when Madam Witch arrived. She found everything beautifully clean and cheerful.

"Have you done all the work I gave you to do?" she asked on entering.

"Look and answer for yourself, good mother," returned Vaselesa, smiling brightly.

The witch gave a quick look round, and, I must say, was not altogether pleased, for there was no fault to find whatever.

"It is very well done, my child," she said, sitting down to her dinner.

After she had eaten enough she went to bed, telling Vaselesa what she had to do next day.

When morning came, Madam Witch rode out in her mortar, with the pestle in her hand; while Vaselesa, or rather the doll, did all the work. The day passed as did the first. When night came the