Effie said the words over, and the voice said again "If you sing them with the song of the sea-maidens you will understand them better." Then Effie fell asleep, just as they came again to the open window and she knew nothing more till she was waked by her mother calling out—
"Effie, child! wake up! the sun was up long ago! come! come!"
Effie started up. It was broad daylight. Her father was out-doors, looking after his nets, and her mother was getting the table ready for breakfast. She dressed herself quickly, saying over in mind the words just taught her. Then she recollected that she could understand them better if she sang the song of the sea. So she said that to herself also.
"Do you go and get some water to put in the kettle, Effie," said her mother.
"Yes, mother," said she, and as she went she sang to herself—
"Work, hands! Love, heart!
Every one here has his part."
"Good-morning, little one," said her father, meeting her in the door-way; "here's a bright day for your new year!"
"Isn't it!" said Effie, giving him a kiss and then singing—
"Praise to thee! Praise to thee;
Thou art all Purity.
Thou art the Source of Light."
"I believe the child's going to be a good girl, wife," said Father Gilder, coming into the house.