Then, of a sudden, there came shouts of laughter from the lane without, and the sound of merry voices; the door of the cottage flew open, and in ran the Earl’s daughters, the three snowflakes.
“Oh, Ruth,” said Charity, “we have heard of your trouble, and our father has sent us to help you.”
And Charity kissed Ruth on the cheek.
“And you are to come and live in the lodge by the gates,” said Faith, putting her arms round the poor girl’s waist, and leading her to the door of the cottage.
“And you are to be happy the whole year long,” cried Hope, clapping her hands, and turning, she led the way, skipping and laughing, up the lane.
And so it happened that Ruth went and lived in the lodge of the great lord’s beautiful estate, and there she may be living, contented and happy, to this day.
