"Nay, not so, O mother," said a solemn voice; "I am with thee and will abide with thee forever."
Griselda turned and looked upon the tall, gloomy figure that approached her with these words.
It was the Spirit of Eternal Sorrow.
THE TWO WIVES
In a certain city there were two wives named Gerda and Hulda. Although their homes adjoined, these wives were in very different social stations, for Gerda was the wife of a very proud and very rich man, while Hulda was the wife of a humble artisan. Gerda's house was lofty and spacious and was adorned with most costly and most beautiful things, but Hulda's house was a scantily furnished little cottage. The difference in their social stations did not, however, prevent Gerda and Hulda from being very friendly in a proper fashion, and the two frequently exchanged visits while their husbands were away from home.
One day Hulda was at Gerda's house, and Gerda said: "I must show you the painting we have just received from Paris. It is the most beautiful painting in the world, and it cost a princely sum of money."
And Gerda took Hulda into an adjoining chamber and uncovered the picture, and for a long time Hulda stood admiring it in silence. It was indeed a masterpiece of art. Such beauty of conception, such elegance of design, and such nicety in execution had never before been seen. It was a marvel of figure and color and effect.
"Is it not the most beautiful picture in all the world?" asked Gerda.
"It is very beautiful," replied Hulda, "but it is not the most beautiful picture in all the world."