The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1871-07-27
THE SEVEN LITTLE WOMEN.
A yArRY STORY.


village. Many years of sunshine and
shadow had passed since her mother had
kissed her, and then had crossed the
dark, silent river to land of brightness,
Joy and peace.
Gretchen was almost in despair, Tor
there was only small black loaf in the
cupboard, and she was often beaten when
Hans, her father, was angry.
Suddenly there was timid knock at
the door.
"Come in," said Gretchen.
The door swung slowly open, and sew
en- little women entered.
1--WE are cold and hungry" said the
eldest, "as we have come long dis
tance; we are very tired, and would like
to stay all night"
You are very welcome" replied
Gretohen, after moments hesitation, as
she piled more faggots on the fire.
She divided the loaf into seven por-
tions, and filed seven tin tumblers with
sparkling water from spring close by.
"I am sorry there is no more bread"
she said, pleasantly, "but you are well
come to this"
In a few moments the bread had dis
appeared.
1--WE thank you very much" said all
the little women in chorus, as they
gathered round the fire. "And if we
ever have the chance, we will do as
much for you"
"You are very kind" replied Gretchen.
They all fell to talking, and it was not
long before Gretchen told her story,
which was dreary enough.
me 70 thar doao not EHa afrap W
she said hastily, as the loud laughing
and shouting OF Hans and his boon COM
panions was borne on the air, "and you
mast be very quiet while he is in the
house. My bed is poor and small, but
it Is little better than the bare ground"
she added, smiling.
Hans was in very Ill humor. He
raved and stormed long time; finally,
seizing Gretchen, he thrust her out of
doors, declaring he would kill her if she
dared enter the house again.
"Others can play at that game" ex-
claimed several fine voices, and fast and
furious fell the blows of the seven little
women.
Hans growled savagely, and, releasing
his daughter, turned to his small antag-
onists, dealing heavy blows, but they
were without avail. Crying out in rage
and terror, Hans, seeing his efforts we're
in vain to conquer his foes, ignominious-
ly fed, shouting for help.
Poor Gretchen wept bitterly as she
fell to the ground. A light snow was
falling, and the wind swept down from
the mountain in wild, fierce gusts. She
heard her fathers cries of terror, and
saw him flee toward the village, closely
pursued byth seven little women.
1t was not long before they came back,
and the eldest rang a crystal bell. II
was answered by multitude of bells
Ginning through valley, wood, and plain
until the air was filled with music.
A beautiful little coach, drawn by sew
en- milk-white horses, appeared. A foot.
m,a1 in splendid livery, opened the door
and the seven little women accompanied
by Gretchen, entered and the eerisge
rolled away. stopping before u huge
rock, which Gretchen had often climbed
the footman blew q shrlll whistles dool
swung open, and the carriage rolled
through long avenue, shaded by treei
laden with flowers and fruit, until il
stopped before superb palace.
There was the sound of music ant
laughter borne on the fragrant air.
"Her gracious majesty has come" "sait
several voices, as they entered the palace
GAS the sleeping flowers haste to gree
the sun at morn, so we haste to gree
her highness, our loved cousin" replied
the little woman.
Gretchen was conducted to q chambel
hung with blue and silver tapestry. Th'
furniture was of ivory, covered will
blue velvet wrought with pearls. Oh
how beautiful it all was
Presently a tiny lady entered, and
making queer little bow, said, "Prin
CESS Lalleen bade me dress you, for th
queen desires to see you"
"The queen 7" repeated Gretchen.
EYES," was the reply, "the queen o
the fairies"
"Oh, how glad I shall be to see her T
her eyes sparkling with pleasure theI
added, humbly, "I am only little Gret
chen Andersen, and fear sue will no
bepleased."
"Ah!" was the kind reply; cher ma
iesty is very kind, and loves good child
ren. Princess Lalleen and her sister
have told how kind you were to them
and how you took care of a sparrow tina
wicked boy wounded and left for dead
and many other things, also"
ct was nothing" blushed Gretchen.
While they were talking, the fairy ha
oombed the young girls hair, remove
her ragged clothes, and dressed her in
robe white and soft as the summe
clouds.
"You must be like the fairies Will
here" she said, as she led her to a mil
ror.
Gretchen scarcely recognized hersel
She was no larger than her attendant
her hair hung in FURNISHED waves abou
her waist; her dress was looped wit
pearls and coral tiny sprays swingin
in her ears. She was then taken dow
an ivory staircase bordered with gold,
door was thrown open, and footma
called out, "The Earth-child an
Grstchen found herself in a large ROOF
full of little people.
Princess Lalleen-the eldest Of til
seven little women-advanced to met
her. Taking her hand she led her
the further end of the room, where We
pearl throne thickly studded with dis
monds. On the throne was the Lowell
est little creature Gretchen ever behel'
Her dress was of the tint of the innt
leaves of the blushing rose, tiny dii
mond spsrkled on her brow, and crysti
wand, tipped with blood-red rub,
was in her mite of hand.
The princess bowed very low, as 81
stopped before the throne.
HVoup opacio,to rnoiaotxy .ha aai