the winter passed , and the spring , sparkling in the clear northern air , cheered the spirits of the lonely little people in the lodge . the girl , being the eldest , directed her brothers . she seemed to feel a tender and sisterly affection for the youngest , who was slight in frame and of a delicate temper . the other boy soon began to break forth with restless speeches , which showed that his spirit was not at ease . one day he addressed his sister as follows : " my sister , are we always to live as if there were no other human beings in the world ? must i deprive myself of the pleasure of mingling with my own kind ? i have determined this question for myself . i shall seek the villages of men , and you can not prevent me . "
the girl .
who was the eldest ?
who was the eldest ?