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4. How Little Mayrie Became Frightened
The winter was over now, and all the Laughing Valley was filled with joyous
excitement. The brook was so happy at being free once again that it gurgled
more boisterously than ever and dashed so recklessly against the rocks that it
sent showers of spray high in the air. The grass thrust its sharp little blades
upward through the mat of dead stalks where it had hidden from the snow,
but the flowers were yet too timid to show themselves, although the Ryls were
busy feeding their roots. The sun was in remarkably good humor, and sent
his rays dancing merrily throughout the Valley.
Claus was eating his dinner one day when he heard a timid knock on his
door.
"
Come in!" he called.
No one entered, but after a pause came another rapping.
Claus jumped up and threw open the door. Before him stood a small girl
holding a smaller brother fast by the hand.
"
"
Is you Tlaus?" she asked, shyly.
Indeed I am, my dear!" he answered, with a laugh, as he caught both children
in his arms and kissed them. "You are very welcome, and you have come just
in time to share my dinner."
He took them to the table and fed them with fresh milk and nut-cakes. When
they had eaten enough he asked:
"
"
Why have you made this long journey to see me?"
I wants a tat!" replied little Mayrie; and her brother, who had not yet learned
to speak many words, nodded his head and exclaimed like an echo: "Tat!"
"
Oh, you want my toy cats, do you?" returned Claus, greatly pleased to
discover that his creations were so popular with children.
The little visitors nodded eagerly.
"
Unfortunately," he continued, "I have but one cat now ready, for I carried two
to children in the town yesterday. And the one I have shall be given to your
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