Page:Tales and Legends from the Land of the Tzar.djvu/64

48 joy, "Providence has at last taken pity on us, and sent us this child to cheer us in our old age."

She was about to throw her arms around the snow-child and embrace it, when, to the astonishment of both the old man and woman, the snow fell off, and left in Masha's arms a beautiful little girl.

"Oh, my little Snow-Maiden! my little darling!" cried the happy Masha, as she led the lovely child into their hut. Meanwhile, Akem could not get over his wonder. He rubbed his head, and felt sorely puzzled; he did not know whether he was asleep or awake, but felt almost sure that something had gone wrong with him somewhere.

But to return to the Snow-Maiden (as Masha was pleased to call her). She grew very rapidly—not only daily but hourly—into a tall, beautiful, and graceful girl; the peasants were delighted with her—Akem had come to the conclusion that it was all right—their hut was now always in constant mirth. The village girls and boys were frequent visitors to it; they played, read, and sang with the Snow-Maiden, who understood it all thoroughly, and did her best to amuse all around her. She talked, laughed, and was altogether so cheerful and good-natured, that everybody loved her dearly, and tried to please her in every possible way,—at the same time a better and more obedient daughter never was. She had the most lovely white skin, just like snow; her eyes were like forget-me-nots, her lips and cheeks like roses; in fact, she was the very picture of health and beauty; with her lovely golden hair hanging down her back,