dost thou seek?”      

       “I am looking for strawberries,” said she.     

       “We are in the midst of winter,” replied January, “strawberries do not grow in the snow.”      

       “I know,” said the girl sadly, “but my sister and stepmother have ordered me to bring them strawberries. If I do not they will kill me. Pray, good shepherds, tell me where to find them.”      

       The great January arose, crossed over to the Month opposite him, and putting the wand in his hand, said: “Brother June, do thou take the highest place.”      

       June obeyed, and as he waved his wand over the fire the flames leaped toward the sky. Instantly the snow melted, the earth was covered with verdure, trees were clothed with leaves, birds began to sing, and various flowers blossomed in the forest. It was summer. Under the bushes masses of star-shaped flowers changed into ripening strawberries, and instantly they covered the glade, making it look like a sea of blood.     

       “Gather them quickly, Marouckla,” said June.     

       Joyfully she thanked the Months, and having filled her apron ran happily home.     

       Helen and her mother wondered at seeing the strawberries, which filled the house with their delicious fragrance.     

       “Wherever did you find them?” asked Helen crossly.     

       “Right up among the mountains. Those from under the beech trees are not bad,” answered Marouckla.     

       Helen gave a few to her mother and ate the rest herself. Not one did she offer to her stepsister. Being tired of strawberries, on the third day she took a fancy for some fresh, red apples.     

       “Run, Marouckla,” said she, “and fetch me fresh, red apples from the mountain.”      

       “Apples in winter, sister? Why, the trees have neither leaves nor fruit!”      

       “Idle thing, go this minute,” said Helen; “unless you bring back apples we will kill you.”      

       As before, the stepmother seized her roughly and turned her out of the house. The poor 

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