Then Gerda took Hulda into another chamber and showed her a jewelled music-box which the most cunning artisans in all Switzerland had labored for years to produce.
"You shall hear it make music," said Gerda.
And Gerda touched the spring, and the music-box discoursed a harmony such as Hulda's listening ears had never heard before. It seemed as if a mountain brook, a summer zephyr, and a wild-wood bird were in the box vying with each other in sweet melodies.
"Is it not the most beautiful music in all the world?" asked Gerda.
"It is very beautiful," replied Hulda, "but it is not the most beautiful music in all the world."
Then Gerda was sorely vexed.
"You said that of the picture," said Gerda, "and you say it of the music. Now tell me, Hulda, where is there to be found a more beautiful picture, and where more beautiful music?"
"Come with me, Gerda," said Hulda.
And Hulda led Gerda from the stately mansion into her own humble little cottage.
"See there upon the wall near the door?" said Hulda.