The old woman listened, and heard the clear voices calling:—
“’Tis thy birthnight, sister fair,
Join us fairies of the air.
Where the night-winds round us blow
We are waiting, Golden Snow.”
“Kiss me, mother, for I must go,” said the maiden, eagerly. And with the old woman’s kiss warm upon her cheek, she ran out and danced with the pretty snow-flakes till her face glowed and her eyes sparkled like the rich carbuncle that clasped her mantle.
“It is getting late; come in, child! come in!” called the old woman, who grew weary waiting.
The maiden kissed her white hands to the fleecy snow-flakes, singing like a bird—
“Good night!
Snow-flakes white.