" there it is ! " cried she , and stretched her hands out over a little blue crocus , that hung quite sickly on one side . " do n't touch the flower ! " said the old woman . " but place yourself here , and when death comes -- i expect him every moment -- do not let him pluck the flower up , but threaten him that you will do the same with the others . then he will be afraid ! he is responsible for them to our lord , and no one dares to pluck them up before he gives leave . " all at once an icy cold rushed through the great hall , and the blind mother could feel that it was death that came . " how hast thou been able to find thy way hither ? " he asked . " how couldst thou come quicker than i ? " " i am a mother , " said she .
yes , she will .
will the mother try to protect her child against death ?
will the mother try to protect her child against death ?