One day, Katinka came to Dobrunka, and said: “Dobrunka, I want some violets; go out into the fields or the forest and find me some.”
Dobrunka said, “Why Katinka, that is a strange request. This is not the time for violets; it is mid-winter.”
Whereupon Katinka grew very angry and said: “Go, do as I say and bring me some violets, or I shall beat you to a jelly.” With that Katinka pushed her out of the door and with the help of her mother barred the door behind her.
Now, it was mid-winter and snow was upon the ground, and Dobrunka started through the forest not knowing what to do. As she walked along the forest, she saw on a hillside a fire burning. Soon she came to the fire, and there sat twelve old men with long grey beards. Their names were the Twelve Months.
It was mid-winter, and January, of course, was presiding. As Dobrunka came near to the group, not knowing what to do nor where to go, she stopped and began to cry.
January saw her, and said: “Child, why do you stand there shivering and crying, what is the matter?”
Dobrunka said, “My mother and sister have driven me from the house, and they said if I do not bring them some violets they will beat me to a jelly.”
January felt sorry for the girl, and he said: “Violets do not belong to me; perhaps March can help you.”
Near by sat March, and he turned and saw the girl was troubled and he pitied her.