New-York tribune., 1904-08-21

never a word until Matrenka had finished her
meal Then, noticing that the child had kept a
portion of the bread she said:
why do you save the food. my little It IS
all for you. so cat what you will"
But Matrenka replied with some shame:
4 had forgotten Mischenka (this was nttlo
Michaels pet name and my dear parents. I will
what is left gracious lady. for you said that
should return IN hour
The lady laughed though sbe thought this a
great joke
''Of course, you shall return. II you like" she
answered. but taking you 10 the Castle of
Happy Days where you need never be hungry
again, and where has only to wish for any
thing at all in order TO have it Immediately"
oh said Matrenka. readily. 'and perhaps you
will bring my parents and Mischenka later9"
Again the lady laughed.
"Oh. no." she replied, they may not come nor
you take from the Castle of Happy Days any
thing that is found therein But DO you not know
that your parents have one mouth less to feed
without you?"
Matrenka believed this was the truth. therefore
she said:
Perhaps you are right after ALL"
only remember" said the lady, laughing again,
that you must enjoy your happiness alone. and
that you can take nothing away from the castle"
Now, tho reason she laughed again because
she was not really a lady at all but wicked de-
mon, who had assumed that form in order to at
tract Matrenka.
It really was selfish OF Matrenka to be willing
70 leave her poor home. but the little girl tried
70 make believe that what she wished was the
wisest thing TO do.
(Which is a thing that many OF us have done
before her.)
She closed her eyes as she leaned back in the
sleigh and tried to forget all about the hut and
her family. AS they went on and OH Matrenka be-
came warmer and more comfortable every minuto
The warmer and more comfortable she became the
harder she found 1t 10 stop thinking of her poor
parents misery.
After time the storm abated and the sleigh
travelled swiftly, over smoother, snow covered
ground. but always without driver. and the lady
did not speak, but once in while laughed quietly
TO herself At last they came to q great house,
with bright lights blazing In every window.
This is the Castle of Happy Days" cried the
lady then. and rising suddenly from her seat In
the sleigh she vanished.
Matrenka much astonished to find herself
thrown softly into bank of snow and on regain
ing her feet she discovered that the sleigh had
disappeared. The open door OF wide brightly
lighted hall threw warm glow the white path
before her and delicious doors of food noated forth
temptngly.
The little girl made her way timidly into the hall
and no sooner had she set foot therein than thero
appeared maidservant. wearing a long, square
shaped cap Of white and gayly striped apron.
Matrenka greeted her according 20 tho affection
ate manner of their country.
Hall to thee little sisteri' she said
The servant maid courtesied and said rot word Ii
reply reply but led the way into a magnificent room.
%here table was set with food such Matrenka
flad never seen tasted before.
only one chair stood before the table, and 10 this
tne maid pointed. indicating that IT was meant for
the nttie girl. Matrenka seated herself and asked
no further questions
w hen sne had finished her repast the servant led
stars TRen ss wide han and & up great flight Of
Followed into another beautiful room, with cheer
fuI hre glowing the hearth.
EveryWhere there were proLty pictures. bright
SOFT carpet covered tho floor, and In the centre
STOOD a hsh bed with four posts and a curtain of
req veIvet, which partly hid the snowy coverlet
Malfehka began to feel very sleepy, for she had
driven long distance and her supper had agreed
with her very wel She found the bed dainty
white robe, which must have been made for her
II fitted exactly She put with the aid OF the
dumb serving maid, and was tucked under the
bed covers, sleeping soundly. She was awakened