“Silly child, silly child,” answered the old woman; yet silently she thought—“If my daughter could go to the ball, the prince would surely fall in love with her, for in all the north land she is the only true princess.”
“See, they are coming, mother!” exclaimed Golden Snow, clapping her hands with delight.
The old woman looked out of the window, and saw everywhere the snow-flakes flying about, like little madcaps, over hill and valley.
It seemed a long day to her; there was a chill in the air, and she was not happy. Satos, the old fisherman, came in, saying, in his good-natured voice, “It will be stormy to-night, wife.”
“Ah, well,” replied she, “what will that matter to us, who stay at home?”
Just then a knock came at the door; and when the old man opened it, he saw a stately lady, who was so covered with snow that no part of her dress could be seen. It was like a cloak about her. Upon her head she wore a band of shining brilliants, that so dazzled the old man that he could not speak a word.
The lady stepped into the cottage, and when she saw Golden Snow, she embraced her fondly, saying, “My dear child, I have not forgotten that it is your birthday, and that you are now fifteen years old.” She took a little box from her pocket, and placed it upon the floor. In a few moments it had increased to so great a size that it was large enough to hold the entire wardrobe of a lady.
Golden Snow kissed her hand, and thanked her again and again.
“I must go now,” said the lady; “I can not endure the heat; but never fear, my child, for your sisters shall attend to every thing. Now, good-bye;” and again she embraced the young maiden tenderly, and in a moment was gone.
The fisherman and his wife had been standing gazing upon this scene in silent amazement; but when the lady had disappeared, and they could not see how, the old woman recovered her voice—