THE RETURN HOME.
The maiden stayed with Mother Frost a long time. But after a while she became very sad. She did not know what the matter was. At last she found that she was homesick; and, although she now fared a thousand times better than when at home, she longed to go back.
So she said to Mother Frost, “I wish to go home to my mother and sister.” Mother Frost replied, “It pleases me that you wish to go home; and since you have served me so faithfully, I will myself take you home.” She thereupon took her by the hand and led her to a great door. It flew open at their coming, and, as the maid stood in the doorway, a shower of gold fell upon her. The gold remained sticking in her hair, on her dress, and even in her shoes. “All this gold is for you because you have been so faithful and industrious. Here is your spindle also,” were the parting words of Mother Frost.
When she stepped out the door closed behind her, and the maid found herself near her mother’s house. As she came into the yard the cock which was perched upon the hen-house cried out, “Cock—a—doodle—do! Our golden maid comes home again.”
Her mother and sister were surprised to see her, and because she had so much gold they welcomed her very heartily.
Suggestions.
Talk about source and uses of gold, its qualities, etc.
What children can do in the home, at school.
IV.
Preparation.
The idle maid now tries to get gold. She throws her spindle into the well and jumps in after it. Children tell what they think she will do at the oven, at the apple-tree, at Mother Frost’s. Will she get gold? Explain pitch.
Narration.