THE SNOW-CHILD.

(FROM THE RUSSIAN.)

In a certain village lived a peasant named Ivan, and his wife Mary. They were very fond of each other, and had. lived happily together for many years, but unfortunately they had no children. The poor people were sad on that account. Their hearts, however, were gladdened at the sight of their neighbours' children. What could be done? It was evidently the will of Heaven; and in this world, Heaven's will be done!

The

One day, in winter, after a great quantity of snow had fallen on the ground, the children of the village where Ivan and Mary lived ran into the fields to play. The old couple looked at them from the window. children ran about, played all sorts of frolics together, and at last began to make a snow-man. Ivan and Mary sat down quietly watching them. Suddenly Ivan smiled and said,—

"I say, wife, let us go out and make a snow-man too.” Mary was also in a merry mood.

"Yes," she answered; "let us go out and play, though we are old. But why should we make a snow-man? Better to make a snow-child, since Heaven will not grant us a live one."

"Very good," said Ivan.

He put on his cap, and went with his wife into the garden.

They really set about making a baby of snow. They made the body; then arms and legs; then put on the top a ball of snow for a head.

"Heaven help you!" cried one who passed by. "Many thanks," replied Ivan.

"Heaven's help is always acceptable," added Mary.

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What are you doing?" continuued the stranger. "What you yourself see," answered Ivan.

"We are making a Snyegurka!"

ing.

cried Mary, laugh

Then they made a little nose and a chin, two little holes for eyes, and as soon as Ivan had finished-oh, wonderful!-a sweet breath came out of its mouth! Ivan lifted up his arms and stared. The little holes were no longer holes; in their place were two bright blue eyes, and the tiny lips smiled lovingly upon him.

*Snow-child.

"Mercy on us! what is this?" cried Ivan, devoutly crossing himself.

The snow-child turned its head towards him-it was really alive! It moved its arms and legs inside the snow, like an infant in swaddling clothes.

"Oh, Ivan," cried Mary, trembling with joy, "Heaven has at last given us a baby!" and she seized the child in her arms.

The snow fell off "Snyegurka," as Mary called her, like the shell from a chicken. Mary, delighted beyond measure, held in her arms a beautiful, living girl.

"Oh, my love! my love! My darling Snyegurka!" cried the kind-hearted woman, tenderly embracing her long-wished for, and now unexpectedly granted child. Then she rushed into the hut with the infant in her arms. Ivan was astounded at this wonderful event; as to Mary, she was beside herself with joy.

Snyegurka grew every hour; each day she looked more beautiful than before. Ivan and Mary were delighted with her, and their hut, once so quiet and lonely, was now full of life and merriment. The girls of the village visited them constantly; dressed and played with Snyegurka as if she were a doll; talked to to her; sang songs to her; joined her with them in all their games, and taught her all they knew themselves. Snyegurka was very clever, and quickly learnt everything

Her

she was told. During the winter she grew up as tall as a girl of thirteen years old; she understood and could talk about most things around her, and had such a sweet voice that one would never tire of listening to it. Besides this, she was kind, obedient, and affectionate. flesh was as white as snow; her eyes looked like two forget-me-nots; and her hair was of a light flaxen colour. Her cheeks only had no rosy hue in them, because there was no blood in her veins. In spite of this she was so beautiful, that, having once seen her, you would wish to see her again and again. It would have done your heart good to see how she enjoyed herself, and how happy she was when at play. Everybody loved her; she was idolised by Mary, who would often say to her husband, Heaven has granted us joy in our old age; sorrow has left my heart!"

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Ivan would answer, "Heaven be praised! But in this world happiness is seldom lasting, and sorrow is good for us all.”

The long winter had gradually glided away. The glorious sun again shone in the sky, and warmed the cold earth. Where the snow melted, green grass appeared, and the skylark poured forth its sweet notes. The girls of the village collected together, and welcomed the spring with a song:

"Beautiful Spring! How did you come to us? How

did you make your journey? On a plough or on a harrow?" *

From a gay, sprightly girl, Snyegurka suddenly became sad.

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"What is the matter with you, my dearest child?" Mary would often ask, drawing Snyegurka nearer to her heart. Are you ill? You are not so happy as you used to be. Perhaps an evil eye has glanced at you?"

Snyegurka would simply answer, mother."

"I am well,

The snow had now completely melted away, and the genial spring appeared with its warm and sunny days. The meadows and gardens began to be covered with radiant and sweet-scented flowers. The nightingale and other songsters of the woods and fields resumed their beautiful melodies. In a word, all nature became brighter and more charming.

Snyegurka alone grew sadder and sadder. She began to shun her playfellows, and to hide herself from the rays of the sun like the May-flower under the tree. She would only play near a well of spring water-splashing and dabbling in it with her hand-beneath the shade of

* It is customary in some Slavonic countries to welcome the appearance of spring with song.