ACHILDISHMIRACLE
　　Oneafternoonofacoldwinter’sday，whenthesunshoneforthwithchillybrightness，afteralongstorm，twochildrenaskedleaveoftheirmothertorunoutandplayinthenew-fallensnow。
　　Theelderchildwasalittlegirl，whom，becauseshewasofatenderandmodestdisposition，andwasthoughttobeverybeautiful，herparents，andotherpeoplewhowerefamiliarwithher，usedtocallViolet。ButherbrotherwasknownbythestyleandtitleofPeony，onaccountoftheruddinessofhisbroadandroundlittlephiz，whichmadeeverybodythinkofsunshineandgreatscarletflowers。Thefatherofthesetwochildren，acertainMr。Lindsey，itisimportanttosay，wasanexcellentbutexceedinglymatter-of-factsortofman，adealerinhardware，andwassturdilyaccustomedtotakewhatiscalledthecommon-senseviewofallmattersthatcameunderhisconsideration。Withaheartaboutastenderasotherpeople’s，hehadaheadashardandimpenetrable，andtherefore，perhaps，asempty，asoneoftheironpotswhichitwasapartofhisbusinesstosell。Themother’scharacter，ontheotherhand，hadastrainofpoetryinit，atraitofunworldlybeauty，——adelicateanddewyflower，asitwere，thathadsurvivedoutofherimaginativeyouth，andstillkeptitselfaliveamidthedustyrealitiesofmatrimonyandmotherhood。
　　So，VioletandPeony，asIbeganwithsaying，besoughttheirmothertoletthemrunoutandplayinthenewsnow;for，thoughithadlookedsodrearyanddismal，driftingdownwardoutofthegraysky，ithadaverycheerfulaspect，nowthatthesunwasshiningonit。Thechildrendweltinacity，andhadnowiderplay-placethanalittlegardenbeforethehouse，dividedbyawhitefencefromthestreet，andwithapear-treeandtwoorthreeplum-treesovershadowingit，andsomerose-bushesjustinfrontoftheparlor-windows。Thetreesandshrubs，however，werenowleafless，andtheirtwigswereenvelopedinthelightsnow，whichthusmadeakindofwintryfoliage，withhereandthereapendenticicleforthefruit。
　　"Yes，Violet，——yes，mylittlePeony，"saidtheirkindmother，"youmaygooutandplayinthenewsnow。"
　　Accordingly，thegoodladybundledupherdarlingsinwoollenjacketsandwaddedsacks，andputcomfortersroundtheirnecks，andapairofstripedgaitersoneachlittlepairoflegs，andworstedmittensontheirhands，andgavethemakissapiece，bywayofaspelltokeepawayJackFrost。Forthsalliedthetwochildren，withahop-skip-and-jump，thatcarriedthematonceintotheveryheartofahugesnow-drift，whenceVioletemergedlikeasnow-bunting，whilelittlePeonyflounderedoutwithhisroundfaceinfullbloom。Thenwhatamerrytimehadthey！Tolookatthem，frolickinginthewintrygarden，youwouldhavethoughtthatthedarkandpitilessstormhadbeensentfornootherpurposebuttoprovideanewplaythingforVioletandPeony;andthattheythemselveshadbeercreated，asthesnow-birdswere，totakedelightonlyinthetempest，andinthewhitemantlewhichitspreadovertheearth。
　　Atlast，whentheyhadfrostedoneanotheralloverwithhandfulsofsnow，Violet，afterlaughingheartilyatlittlePeony’sfigure，wasstruckwithanewidea。
　　"Youlookexactlylikeasnow-image，Peony，"saidshe，"ifyourcheekswerenotsored。Andthatputsmeinmind！Letusmakeanimageoutofsnow，——animageofalittlegirl，——anditshallbeoursister，andshallrunaboutandplaywithusallwinterlong。
　　Won’titbenice？"
　　"Ohyes！"criedPeony，asplainlyashecouldspeak，forhewasbutalittleboy。"Thatwillbenice！Andmammashallseeit！"
　　"Yes，"answeredViolet;"mammashallseethenewlittlegirl。Butshemustnotmakehercomeintothewarmparlor;for，youknow，ourlittlesnow-sisterwillnotlovethewarmth。"
　　Andforthwiththechildrenbeganthisgreatbusinessofmakingasnow-imagethatshouldrunabout;whiletheirmother，whowassittingatthewindowandoverheardsomeoftheirtalk，couldnothelpsmilingatthegravitywithwhichtheysetaboutit。Theyreallyseemedtoimaginethattherewouldbenodifficultywhateverincreatingalivelittlegirloutofthesnow。And，tosaythetruth，ifmiraclesareevertobewrought，itwillbebyputtingourhandstotheworkinpreciselysuchasimpleandundoubtingframeofmindasthatinwhichVioletandPeonynowundertooktoperformone，withoutsomuchasknowingthatitwasamiracle。Sothoughtthemother;andthought，likewise，thatthenewsnow，justfallenfromheaven，wouldbeexcellentmaterialtomakenewbeingsof，ifitwerenotsoverycold。Shegazedatthechildrenamomentlonger，delightingtowatchtheirlittlefigures，——thegirl，tallforherage，gracefulandagile，andsodelicatelycoloredthatshelookedlikeacheerfulthoughtmorethanaphysicalreality;whilePeonyexpandedinbreadthratherthanheight，androlledalongonhisshortandsturdylegsassubstantialasanelephant，thoughnotquitesobig。Thenthemotherresumedherwork。WhatitwasIforget;butshewaseithertrimmingasilkenbonnetforViolet，ordarningapairofstockingsforlittlePeony’sshortlegs。Again，however，andagain，andyetotheragains，shecouldnothelpturningherheadtothewindowtoseehowthechildrengotonwiththeirsnow-image。
　　Indeed，itwasanexceedinglypleasantsight，thosebrightlittlesoulsattheirtask！Moreover，itwasreallywonderfultoobservehowknowinglyandskilfullytheymanagedthematter。Violetassumedthechiefdirection，andtoldPeonywhattodo，while，withherowndelicatefingers，sheshapedoutallthenicerpartsofthesnow-figure。Itseemed，infact，notsomuchtobemadebythechildren，astogrowupundertheirhands，whiletheywereplayingandprattlingaboutit。Theirmotherwasquitesurprisedatthis;andthelongershelooked，themoreandmoresurprisedshegrew。
　　"Whatremarkablechildrenmineare！"thoughtshe，smilingwithamother’spride;and，smilingatherself，too，forbeingsoproudofthem。"Whatotherchildrencouldhavemadeanythingsolikealittlegirl’sfigureoutofsnowatthefirsttrial？Well;butnowImustfinishPeony’snewfrock，forhisgrandfatheriscomingto-morrow，andIwantthelittlefellowtolookhandsome。"
　　Soshetookupthefrock，andwassoonasbusilyatworkagainwithherneedleasthetwochildrenwiththeirsnow-image。Butstill，astheneedletravelledhitherandthitherthroughtheseamsofthedress，themothermadehertoillightandhappybylisteningtotheairyvoicesofVioletandPeony。Theykepttalkingtooneanotherallthetime，theirtonguesbeingquiteasactiveastheirfeetandhands。Exceptatintervals，shecouldnotdistinctlyhearwhatwassaid，buthadmerelyasweetimpressionthattheywereinamostlovingmood，andwereenjoyingthemselveshighly，andthatthebusinessofmakingthesnow-imagewentprosperouslyon。Nowandthen，however，whenVioletandPeonyhappenedtoraisetheirvoices，thewordswereasaudibleasiftheyhadbeenspokenintheveryparlorwherethemothersat。Ohhowdelightfullythosewordsechoedinherheart，eventhoughtheymeantnothingsoverywiseorwonderful，afterall！
　　Butyoumustknowamotherlistenswithherheartmuchmorethanwithherears;andthussheisoftendelightedwiththetrillsofcelestialmusic，whenotherpeoplecanhearnothingofthekind。
　　"Peony，Peony！"criedViolettoherbrother，whohadgonetoanotherpartofthegarden，"bringmesomeofthatfreshsnow，Peony，fromtheveryfarthestcorner，wherewehavenotbeentrampling。Iwantittoshapeourlittlesnow-sister’sbosomwith。Youknowthatpartmustbequitepure，justasitcameoutofthesky！"
　　"Hereitis，Violet！"answeredPeony，inhisblufftone，——butaverysweettone，too，——ashecameflounderingthroughthehalf-troddendrifts。"Hereisthesnowforherlittlebosom。O
　　Violet，howbeau-ti-fulshebeginstolook！"
　　"Yes，"saidViolet，thoughtfullyandquietly;"oursnow-sisterdoeslookverylovely。Ididnotquiteknow，Peony，thatwecouldmakesuchasweetlittlegirlasthis。"
　　Themother，asshelistened，thoughthowfitanddelightfulanincidentitwouldbe，iffairies，orstillbetter，ifangel-childrenweretocomefromparadise，andplayinvisiblywithherowndarlings，andhelpthemtomaketheirsnow-image，givingitthefeaturesofcelestialbabyhood！VioletandPeonywouldnotbeawareoftheirimmortalplaymates，——onlytheywouldseethattheimagegrewverybeautifulwhiletheyworkedatit，andwouldthinkthattheythemselveshaddoneitall。
　　"Mylittlegirlandboydeservesuchplaymates，ifmortalchildreneverdid！"saidthemothertoherself;andthenshesmiledagainatherownmotherlypride。
　　Nevertheless，theideaseizeduponherimagination;and，everandanon，shetookaglimpseoutofthewindow，halfdreamingthatshemightseethegolden-hairedchildrenofparadisesportingwithherowngolden-hairedVioletandbright-cheekedPeony。
　　Now，forafewmoments，therewasabusyandearnest，butindistincthumofthetwochildren’svoices，asVioletandPeonywroughttogetherwithonehappyconsent。Violetstillseemedtobetheguidingspirit，whilePeonyactedratherasalaborer，andbroughtherthesnowfromfarandnear。Andyetthelittleurchinevidentlyhadaproperunderstandingofthematter，too！
　　"Peony，Peony！"criedViolet;forherbrotherwasagainattheothersideofthegarden。"Bringmethoselightwreathsofsnowthathaverestedonthelowerbranchesofthepear-tree。Youcanclamberonthesnowdrift，Peony，andreachthemeasily。Imusthavethemtomakesomeringletsforoursnow-sister’shead！"
　　"Heretheyare，Violet！"answeredthelittleboy。"Takecareyoudonotbreakthem。Welldone！Welldone！Howpretty！"
　　"Doesshenotlooksweetly？"saidViolet，withaverysatisfiedtone;"andnowwemusthavesomelittleshiningbitsofice，tomakethebrightnessofhereyes。Sheisnotfinishedyet。Mammawillseehowverybeautifulsheis;butpapawillsay，’Tush！
　　nonsense！——comeinoutofthecold！’"
　　"Letuscallmammatolookout，"saidPeony;andthenheshoutedlustily，"Mamma！mamma！！mamma！！！Lookout，andseewhatanice’ittlegirlwearemaking！"
　　Themotherputdownherworkforaninstant，andlookedoutofthewindow。Butitsohappenedthatthesun——forthiswasoneoftheshortestdaysofthewholeyear——hadsunkensonearlytotheedgeoftheworldthathissettingshinecameobliquelyintothelady’seyes。Soshewasdazzled，youmustunderstand，andcouldnotverydistinctlyobservewhatwasinthegarden。Still，however，throughallthatbright，blindingdazzleofthesunandthenewsnow，shebeheldasmallwhitefigureinthegarden，thatseemedtohaveawonderfuldealofhumanlikenessaboutit。AndshesawVioletandPeony，——indeed，shelookedmoreatthemthanattheimage，——shesawthetwochildrenstillatwork;Peonybringingfreshsnow，andVioletapplyingittothefigureasscientificallyasasculptoraddsclaytohismodel。Indistinctlyasshediscernedthesnow-child，themotherthoughttoherselfthatneverbeforewasthereasnow-figuresocunninglymade，noreversuchadearlittlegirlandboytomakeit。
　　"Theydoeverythingbetterthanotherchildren，"saidshe，verycomplacently。"Nowondertheymakebettersnow-images！"
　　Shesatdownagaintoherwork，andmadeasmuchhastewithitaspossible;becausetwilightwouldsooncome，andPeony’sfrockwasnotyetfinished，andgrandfatherwasexpected，byrailroad，prettyearlyinthemorning。Fasterandfaster，therefore，wentherflyingfingers。Thechildren，likewise，keptbusilyatworkinthegarden，andstillthemotherlistened，whenevershecouldcatchaword。Shewasamusedtoobservehowtheirlittleimaginationshadgotmixedupwithwhattheyweredoing，andcarriedawaybyit。Theyseemedpositivelytothinkthatthesnow-childwouldrunaboutandplaywiththem。
　　"Whataniceplaymateshewillbeforus，allwinterlong！"saidViolet。"Ihopepapawillnotbeafraidofhergivingusacold！
　　Sha’n’tyouloveherdearly，Peony？"
　　"Ohyes！"criedPeony。"AndIwillhugher，andsheshallsitdownclosebymeanddrinksomeofmywarmmilk！"
　　"Ohno，Peony！"answeredViolet，withgravewisdom。"Thatwillnotdoatall。Warmmilkwillnotbewholesomeforourlittlesnow-sister。Littlesnowpeople，likeher，eatnothingbuticicles。No，no，Peony;wemustnotgiveheranythingwarmtodrink！"
　　Therewasaminuteortwoofsilence;forPeony，whoseshortlegswereneverweary，hadgoneonapilgrimageagaintotheothersideofthegarden。Allofasudden，Violetcriedout，loudlyandjoyfully，——"Lookhere，Peony！Comequickly！Alighthasbeenshiningonhercheekoutofthatrose-coloredcloud！andthecolordoesnotgoaway！Isnotthatbeautiful！"
　　"Yes;itisbeau-ti-ful，"answeredPeony，pronouncingthethreesyllableswithdeliberateaccuracy。"OViolet，onlylookatherhair！Itisalllikegold！"
　　"Ohcertainly，"saidViolet，withtranquillity，asifitwereverymuchamatterofcourse。"Thatcolor，youknow，comesfromthegoldenclouds，thatweseeupthereinthesky。Sheisalmostfinishednow。Butherlipsmustbemadeveryred，——redderthanhercheeks。Perhaps，Peony，itwillmakethemredifwebothkissthem！"
　　Accordingly，themotherheardtwosmartlittlesmacks，asifbothherchildrenwerekissingthesnow-imageonitsfrozenmouth。
　　But，asthisdidnotseemtomakethelipsquiteredenough，Violetnextproposedthatthesnow-childshouldbeinvitedtokissPeony’sscarletcheek。
　　"Come，’ittlesnow-sister，kissme！"criedPeony。
　　"There！shehaskissedyou，"addedViolet，"andnowherlipsareveryred。Andsheblushedalittle，too！"
　　"Oh，whatacoldkiss！"criedPeony。
　　Justthen，therecameabreezeofthepurewest-wind，sweepingthroughthegardenandrattlingtheparlor-windows。Itsoundedsowintrycold，thatthemotherwasabouttotaponthewindow-panewithherthimbledfinger，tosummonthetwochildrenin，whentheybothcriedouttoherwithonevoice。Thetonewasnotatoneofsurprise，althoughtheywereevidentlyagooddealexcited;itappearedratherasiftheywereverymuchrejoicedatsomeeventthathadnowhappened，butwhichtheyhadbeenlookingfor，andhadreckoneduponallalong。
　　"Mamma！mamma！Wehavefinishedourlittlesnow-sister，andsheisrunningaboutthegardenwithus！"
　　"Whatimaginativelittlebeingsmychildrenare！"thoughtthemother，puttingthelastfewstitchesintoPeony’sfrock。"Anditisstrange，toothattheymakemealmostasmuchachildastheythemselvesare！Icanhardlyhelpbelieving，now，thatthesnow-imagehasreallycometolife！"
　　"Dearmamma！"criedViolet，"praylookoutandseewhatasweetplaymatewehave！"
　　Themother，beingthusentreated，couldnolongerdelaytolookforthfromthewindow。Thesunwasnowgoneoutofthesky，leaving，however，arichinheritanceofhisbrightnessamongthosepurpleandgoldencloudswhichmakethesunsetsofwintersomagnificent。Buttherewasnottheslightestgleamordazzle，eitheronthewindoworonthesnow;sothatthegoodladycouldlookalloverthegarden，andseeeverythingandeverybodyinit。
　　Andwhatdoyouthinkshesawthere？VioletandPeony，ofcourse，herowntwodarlingchildren。Ah，butwhomorwhatdidsheseebesides？Why，ifyouwillbelieveme，therewasasmallfigureofagirl，dressedallinwhite，withrose-tingedcheeksandringletsofgoldenhue，playingaboutthegardenwiththetwochildren！Astrangerthoughshewas，thechildseemedtobeonasfamiliartermswithVioletandPeony，andtheywithher，asifallthethreehadbeenplaymatesduringthewholeoftheirlittlelives。Themotherthoughttoherselfthatitmustcertainlybethedaughterofoneoftheneighbors，andthat，seeingVioletandPeonyinthegarden，thechildhadrunacrossthestreettoplaywiththem。Sothiskindladywenttothedoor，intendingtoinvitethelittlerunawayintohercomfortableparlor;for，nowthatthesunshinewaswithdrawn，theatmosphere，outofdoors，wasalreadygrowingverycold。
　　But，afteropeningthehouse-door，shestoodaninstantonthethreshold，hesitatingwhethersheoughttoaskthechildtocomein，orwhethersheshouldevenspeaktoher。Indeed，shealmostdoubtedwhetheritwerearealchildafterall，oronlyalightwreathofthenew-fallensnow，blownhitherandthitheraboutthegardenbytheintenselycoldwest-wind。Therewascertainlysomethingverysingularintheaspectofthelittlestranger。
　　Amongallthechildrenoftheneighborhood，theladycouldremembernosuchface，withitspurewhite，anddelicaterose-color，andthegoldenringletstossingabouttheforeheadandcheeks。Andasforherdress，whichwasentirelyofwhite，andflutteringinthebreeze，itwassuchasnoreasonablewomanwouldputuponalittlegirl，whensendingherouttoplay，inthedepthofwinter。Itmadethiskindandcarefulmothershiveronlytolookatthosesmallfeet，withnothingintheworldonthem，exceptaverythinpairofwhiteslippers。Nevertheless，airilyasshewasclad，thechildseemedtofeelnottheslightestinconveniencefromthecold，butdancedsolightlyoverthesnowthatthetipsofhertoeslefthardlyaprintinitssurface;whileVioletcouldbutjustkeeppacewithher，andPeony’sshortlegscompelledhimtolagbehind。
　　Once，inthecourseoftheirplay，thestrangechildplacedherselfbetweenVioletandPeony，andtakingahandofeach，skippedmerrilyforward，andtheyalongwithher。Almostimmediately，however，Peonypulledawayhislittlefist，andbegantorubitasifthefingersweretinglingwithcold;whileVioletalsoreleasedherself，thoughwithlessabruptness，gravelyremarkingthatitwasbetternottotakeholdofhands。
　　Thewhite-robeddamselsaidnotaword，butdancedabout，justasmerrilyasbefore。IfVioletandPeonydidnotchoosetoplaywithher，shecouldmakejustasgoodaplaymateofthebriskandcoldwest-wind，whichkeptblowingherallaboutthegarden，andtooksuchlibertieswithher，thattheyseemedtohavebeenfriendsforalongtime。Allthiswhile，themotherstoodonthethreshold，wonderinghowalittlegirlcouldlooksomuchlikeaflyingsnow-drift，orhowasnow-driftcouldlooksoverylikealittlegirl。
　　ShecalledViolet，andwhisperedtoher。
　　"Violetmydarling，whatisthischild’sname？"askedshe。"Doesshelivenearus？"
　　"Why，dearestmamma，"answeredViolet，laughingtothinkthathermotherdidnotcomprehendsoveryplainanaffair，"thisisourlittlesnow-sisterwhomwehavejustbeenmaking！"
　　"Yes，dearmamma，"criedPeony，runningtohismother，andlookingupsimplyintoherface。"Thisisoursnow-image！Isitnotanice’ittlechild？"
　　Atthisinstantaflockofsnow-birdscameflittingthroughtheair。Aswasverynatural，theyavoidedVioletandPeony。But——andthislookedstrange——theyflewatoncetothewhite-robedchild，flutteredeagerlyaboutherhead，alightedonhershoulders，andseemedtoclaimherasanoldacquaintance。She，onherpart，wasevidentlyasgladtoseetheselittlebirds，oldWinter’sgrandchildren，astheyweretoseeher，andwelcomedthembyholdingoutbothherhands。Hereupon，theyeachandalltriedtoalightonhertwopalmsandtensmallfingersandthumbs，crowdingoneanotheroff，withanimmenseflutteringoftheirtinywings。Onedearlittlebirdnestledtenderlyinherbosom;
　　anotherputitsbilltoherlips。Theywereasjoyous，allthewhile，andseemedasmuchintheirelement，asyoumayhaveseenthemwhensportingwithasnow-storm。
　　VioletandPeonystoodlaughingatthisprettysight;fortheyenjoyedthemerrytimewhichtheirnewplaymatewashavingwiththesesmall-wingedvisitants，almostasmuchasiftheythemselvestookpartinit。
　　"Violet，"saidhermother，greatlyperplexed，"tellmethetruth，withoutanyjest。Whoisthislittlegirl？"
　　"Mydarlingmamma，"answeredViolet，lookingseriouslyintohermother’sface，andapparentlysurprisedthatsheshouldneedanyfurtherexplanation，"Ihavetoldyoutrulywhosheis。Itisourlittlesnow-image，whichPeonyandIhavebeenmaking。Peonywilltellyouso，aswellasI。"
　　"Yes，mamma，"asseveratedPeony，withmuchgravityinhiscrimsonlittlephiz;"thisis’ittlesnow-child。Isnotsheaniceone？
　　But，mamma，herhandis，oh，soverycold！"
　　Whilemammastillhesitatedwhattothinkandwhattodo，thestreet-gatewasthrownopen，andthefatherofVioletandPeonyappeared，wrappedinapilot-clothsack，withafurcapdrawndownoverhisears，andthethickestofglovesuponhishands。
　　Mr。Lindseywasamiddle-agedman，withawearyandyetahappylookinhiswind-flushedandfrost-pinchedface，asifhehadbeenbusyallthedaylong，andwasgladtogetbacktohisquiethome。Hiseyesbrightenedatthesightofhiswifeandchildren，althoughhecouldnothelputteringawordortwoofsurprise，atfindingthewholefamilyintheopenair，onsobleakaday，andaftersunsettoo。Hesoonperceivedthelittlewhitestrangersportingtoandfrointhegarden，likeadancingsnow-wreath，andtheflockofsnow-birdsflutteringaboutherhead。
　　"Pray，whatlittlegirlmaythatbe？"inquiredthisverysensibleman。"Surelyhermothermustbecrazytolethergooutinsuchbitterweatherasithasbeento-day，withonlythatflimsywhitegownandthosethinslippers！"
　　"Mydearhusband，"saidhiswife，"Iknownomoreaboutthelittlethingthanyoudo。Someneighbor’schild，Isuppose。OurVioletandPeony，"sheadded，laughingatherselfforrepeatingsoabsurdastory，"insistthatsheisnothingbutasnow-image，whichtheyhavebeenbusyaboutinthegarden，almostalltheafternoon。"
　　Asshesaidthis，themotherglancedhereyestowardthespotwherethechildren’ssnow-imagehadbeenmade。Whatwashersurprise，onperceivingthattherewasnottheslightesttraceofsomuchlabor！——noimageatall！——nopiledupheapofsnow！——nothingwhatever，savetheprintsoflittlefootstepsaroundavacantspace！
　　"Thisisverystrange！"saidshe。
　　"Whatisstrange，dearmother？"askedViolet。"Dearfather，donotyouseehowitis？Thisisoursnow-image，whichPeonyandI
　　havemade，becausewewantedanotherplaymate。Didnotwe，Peony？"
　　"Yes，papa，"saidcrimsonPeony。"Thisbeour’ittlesnow-sister。
　　Isshenotbeau-ti-ful？Butshegavemesuchacoldkiss！"
　　"Poh，nonsense，children！"criedtheirgood，honestfather，who，aswehavealreadyintimated，hadanexceedinglycommon-sensiblewayoflookingatmatters。"Donottellmeofmakinglivefiguresoutofsnow。Come，wife;thislittlestrangermustnotstayoutinthebleakairamomentlonger。Wewillbringherintotheparlor;andyoushallgiveherasupperofwarmbreadandmilk，andmakeherascomfortableasyoucan。Meanwhile，Iwillinquireamongtheneighbors;or，ifnecessary，sendthecity-crieraboutthestreets，togivenoticeofalostchild。"
　　Sosaying，thishonestandverykind-heartedmanwasgoingtowardthelittlewhitedamsel，withthebestintentionsintheworld。
　　ButVioletandPeony，eachseizingtheirfatherbythehand，earnestlybesoughthimnottomakehercomein。
　　"Dearfather，"criedViolet，puttingherselfbeforehim，"itistruewhatIhavebeentellingyou！Thisisourlittlesnow-girl，andshecannotliveanylongerthanwhileshebreathesthecoldwest-wind。Donotmakehercomeintothehotroom！"
　　"Yes，father，"shoutedPeony，stampinghislittlefoot，somightilywasheinearnest，"thisbenothingbutour’ittlesnow-child！Shewillnotlovethehotfire！"
　　"Nonsense，children，nonsense，nonsense！"criedthefather，halfvexed，halflaughingatwhatheconsideredtheirfoolishobstinacy。"Runintothehouse，thismoment！Itistoolatetoplayanylonger，now。Imusttakecareofthislittlegirlimmediately，orshewillcatchherdeath-a-cold！"
　　"Husband！dearhusband！"saidhiswife，inalowvoice，——forshehadbeenlookingnarrowlyatthesnow-child，andwasmoreperplexedthanever，——"thereissomethingverysingularinallthis。Youwillthinkmefoolish，——but——but——mayitnotbethatsomeinvisibleangelhasbeenattractedbythesimplicityandgoodfaithwithwhichourchildrensetabouttheirundertaking？
　　Mayhenothavespentanhourofhisimmorttalityinplayingwiththosedearlittlesouls？andsotheresultiswhatwecallamiracle。No，no！Donotlaughatme;Iseewhatafoolishthoughtitis！"
　　"Mydearwife，"repliedthehusband，laughingheartily，"youareasmuchachildasVioletandPeony。"
　　Andinonesensesoshewas，forallthroughlifeshehadkeptherheartfullofchildlikesimplicityandfaith，whichwasaspureandclearascrystal;and，lookingatallmattersthroughthistransparentmedium，shesometimessawtruthssoprofoundthatotherpeoplelaughedatthemasnonsenseandabsurdity。
　　ButnowkindMr。Lindseyhadenteredthegarden，breakingawayfromhistwochildren，whostillsenttheirshrillvoicesafterhim，beseechinghimtoletthesnow-childstayandenjoyherselfinthecoldwest-wind。Asheapproached，thesnow-birdstooktoflight。Thelittlewhitedamsel，also，fledbackward，shakingherhead，asiftosay，"Pray，donottouchme！"androguishly，asitappeared，leadinghimthroughthedeepestofthesnow。Once，thegoodmanstumbled，andfloundereddownuponhisface，sothat，gatheringhimselfupagain，withthesnowstickingtohisroughpilot-clothsack，helookedaswhiteandwintryasasnow-imageofthelargestsize。Someoftheneighbors，meanwhile，seeinghimfromtheirwindows，wonderedwhatcouldpossesspoorMr。Lindseytoberunningabouthisgardeninpursuitofasnow-drift，whichthewest-windwasdrivinghitherandthither！Atlength，afteravastdealoftrouble，hechasedthelittlestrangerintoacorner，whereshecouldnotpossiblyescapehim。Hiswifehadbeenlookingon，and，itbeingnearlytwilight，waswonder-strucktoobservehowthesnow-childgleamedandsparkled，andhowsheseemedtoshedaglowallroundabouther;andwhendrivenintothecorner，shepositivelyglistenedlikeastar！Itwasafrostykindofbrightness，too，likethatofanicicleinthemoonlight。
　　ThewifethoughtitstrangethatgoodMr。Lindseyshouldseenothingremarkableinthesnow-child’sappearance。
　　"Come，youoddlittlething！"criedthehonestman，seizingherbythehand，"Ihavecaughtyouatlast，andwillmakeyoucomfortableinspiteofyourself。Wewillputanicewarmpairofworstedstockingsonyourfrozenlittlefeet，andyoushallhaveagoodthickshawltowrapyourselfin。Yourpoorwhitenose，I
　　amafraid，isactuallyfrost-bitten。Butwewillmakeitallright。Comealongin。"
　　Andso，withamostbenevolentsmileonhissagaciousvisage，allpurpleasitwaswiththecold，thisverywell-meaninggentlemantookthesnow-childbythehandandledhertowardsthehouse。
　　Shefollowedhim，droopinglyandreluctant;foralltheglowandsparklewasgoneoutofherfigure;andwhereasjustbeforeshehadresembledabright，frosty，star-gemmedevening，withacrimsongleamonthecoldhorizon，shenowlookedasdullandlanguidasathaw。AskindMr。Lindseyledherupthestepsofthedoor，VioletandPeonylookedintohisface，——theireyesfulloftears，whichfrozebeforetheycouldrundowntheircheeks，——andagainentreatedhimnottobringtheirsnow-imageintothehouse。
　　"Notbringherin！"exclaimedthekind-heartedman。"Why，youarecrazy，mylittleViolet！——quitecrazy，mysmallPeony！Sheissocold，already，thatherhandhasalmostfrozenmine，inspiteofmythickgloves。Wouldyouhaveherfreezetodeath？"
　　Hiswife，ashecameupthesteps，hadbeentakinganotherlong，earnest，almostawe-strickengazeatthelittlewhitestranger。
　　Shehardlyknewwhetheritwasadreamorno;butshecouldnothelpfancyingthatshesawthedelicateprintofViolet’sfingersonthechild’sneck。Itlookedjustasif，whileVioletwasshapingouttheimage，shehadgivenitagentlepatwithherhand，andhadneglectedtosmooththeimpressionquiteaway。
　　"Afterall，husband，"saidthemother，recurringtoherideathattheangelswouldbeasmuchdelightedtoplaywithVioletandPeonyassheherselfwas，——"afterall，shedoeslookstrangelylikeasnow-image！Idobelievesheismadeofsnow！"
　　Apuffofthewest-windblewagainstthesnow-child，andagainshesparkledlikeastar。
　　"Snow！"repeatedgoodMr。Lindsey，drawingthereluctantguestoverhishospitablethreshold。"Nowondershelookslikesnow。
　　Sheishalffrozen，poorlittlething！Butagoodfirewillputeverythingtorights！"
　　Withoutfurthertalk，andalwayswiththesamebestintentions，thishighlybenevolentandcommon-sensibleindividualledthelittlewhitedamsel——drooping，drooping，drooping，moreandmoreoutofthefrostyair，andintohiscomfortableparlor。A
　　Heidenbergstove，filledtothebrimwithintenselyburninganthracite，wassendingabrightgleamthroughtheisinglassofitsirondoor，andcausingthevaseofwateronitstoptofumeandbubblewithexcitement。Awarm，sultrysmellwasdiffusedthroughouttheroom。Athermometeronthewallfarthestfromthestovestoodateightydegrees。Theparlorwashungwithredcurtains，andcoveredwitharedcarpet，andlookedjustaswarmasitfelt。Thedifferencebetwixttheatmospherehereandthecold，wintrytwilightoutofdoors，waslikesteppingatoncefromNovaZemblatothehottestpartofIndia，orfromtheNorthPoleintoanoven。Oh，thiswasafineplaceforthelittlewhitestranger！
　　Thecommon-sensiblemanplacedthesnow-childonthehearth-rug，rightinfrontofthehissingandfumingstove。
　　"Nowshewillbecomfortable！"criedMr。Lindsey，rubbinghishandsandlookingabouthim，withthepleasantestsmileyoueversaw。"Makeyourselfathome，mychild。"
　　Sad，sadanddrooping，lookedthelittlewhitemaiden，asshestoodonthehearth-rug，withthehotblastofthestovestrikingthroughherlikeapestilence。Once，shethrewaglancewistfullytowardthewindows，andcaughtaglimpse，throughitsredcurtains，ofthesnow-coveredroofs，andthestarsglimmeringfrostily，andallthedeliciousintensityofthecoldnight。Thebleakwindrattledthewindow-panes，asifitweresummoninghertocomeforth。Buttherestoodthesnow-child，drooping，beforethehotstove！
　　Butthecommon-sensiblemansawnothingamiss。
　　"Comewife，"saidhe，"letherhaveapairofthickstockingsandawoollenshawlorblanketdirectly;andtellDoratogivehersomewarmsupperassoonasthemilkboils。You，VioletandPeony，amuseyourlittlefriend。Sheisoutofspirits，yousee，atfindingherselfinastrangeplace。Formypart，Iwillgoaroundamongtheneighbors，andfindoutwhereshebelongs。"
　　Themother，meanwhile，hadgoneinsearchoftheshawlandstockings;forherownviewofthematter，howeversubtleanddelicate，hadgivenway，asitalwaysdid，tothestubbornmaterialismofherhusband。Withoutheedingtheremonstrancesofhistwochildren，whostillkeptmurmuringthattheirlittlesnow-sisterdidnotlovethewarmth，goodMr。Lindseytookhisdeparture，shuttingtheparlor-doorcarefullybehindhim。Turningupthecollarofhissackoverhisears，heemergedfromthehouse，andhadbarelyreachedthestreet-gate，whenhewasrecalledbythescreamsofVioletandPeony，andtherappingofathimbledfingeragainsttheparlorwindow。
　　"Husband！husband！"criedhiswife，showingherhorror-strickenfacethroughthewindow-panes。"Thereisnoneedofgoingforthechild’sparents！"
　　"Wetoldyouso，father！"screamedVioletandPeony，ashere-enteredtheparlor。"Youwouldbringherin;andnowourpoor——dear-beau-ti-fullittlesnow-sisteristhawed！"
　　Andtheirownsweetlittlefaceswerealreadydissolvedintears;
　　sothattheirfather，seeingwhatstrangethingsoccasionallyhappeninthisevery-dayworld，feltnotalittleanxiouslesthischildrenmightbegoingtothawtoo！Intheutmostperplexity，hedemandedanexplanationofhiswife。Shecouldonlyreply，that，beingsummonedtotheparlorbythecriesofVioletandPeony，shefoundnotraceofthelittlewhitemaiden，unlessitweretheremainsofaheapofsnow，which，whileshewasgazingatit，meltedquiteawayuponthehearth-rug。
　　"Andthereyouseeallthatisleftofit！"addedshe，pointingtoapoolofwaterinfrontofthestove。
　　"Yes，father，"saidVioletlookingreproachfullyathim，throughhertears，"thereisallthatisleftofourdearlittlesnow-sister！"
　　"Naughtyfather！"criedPeony，stampinghisfoot，and——Ishuddertosay——shakinghislittlefistatthecommon-sensibleman。"Wetoldyouhowitwouldbe！Whatfordidyoubringherin？"
　　AndtheHeidenbergstove，throughtheisinglassofitsdoor，seemedtoglareatgoodMr。Lindsey，likeared-eyeddemon，triumphinginthemischiefwhichithaddone！
　　This，youwillobserve，wasoneofthoserarecases，whichyetwilloccasionallyhappen，wherecommon-sensefindsitselfatfault。Theremarkablestoryofthesnow-image，thoughtothatsagaciousclassofpeopletowhomgoodMr。Lindseybelongsitmayseembutachildishaffair，is，nevertheless，capableofbeingmoralizedinvariousmethods，greatlyfortheiredification。Oneofitslessons，forinstance，mightbe，thatitbehoovesmen，andespeciallymenofbenevolence，toconsiderwellwhattheyareabout，and，beforeactingontheirphilanthropicpurposes，tobequitesurethattheycomprehendthenatureandalltherelationsofthebusinessinhand。Whathasbeenestablishedasanelementofgoodtoonebeingmayproveabsolutemischieftoanother;evenasthewarmthoftheparlorwasproperenoughforchildrenoffleshandblood，likeVioletandPeony，——thoughbynomeansverywholesome，evenforthem，——butinvolvednothingshortofannihilationtotheunfortunatesnow-image。
　　But，afterall，thereisnoteachinganythingtowisemenofgoodMr。Lindsey’sstamp。Theyknoweverything，——oh，tobesure！——everythingthathasbeen，andeverythingthatis，andeverythingthat，byanyfuturepossibility，canbe。And，shouldsomephenomenonofnatureorprovidencetranscendtheirsystem，theywillnotrecognizeit，evenifitcometopassundertheirverynoses。
　　"Wife，"saidMr。Lindsey，afterafitofsilence，"seewhataquantityofsnowthechildrenhavebroughtinontheirfeet！Ithasmadequiteapuddleherebeforethestove。PraytellDoratobringsometowelsandmopitup！"
　　THEGREATSTONEFACE
　　Oneafternoon，whenthesunwasgoingdown，amotherandherlittleboysatatthedooroftheircottage，talkingabouttheGreatStoneFace。Theyhadbuttolifttheireyes，andthereitwasplainlytobeseen，thoughmilesaway，withthesunshinebrighteningallitsfeatures。
　　AndwhatwastheGreatStoneFace？
　　Embosomedamongstafamilyofloftymountains，therewasavalleysospaciousthatitcontainedmanythousandinhabitants。Someofthesegoodpeopledweltinlog-huts，withtheblackforestallaroundthem，onthesteepanddifficulthill-sides。Othershadtheirhomesincomfortablefarm-houses，andcultivatedtherichsoilonthegentleslopesorlevelsurfacesofthevalley。
　　Others，again，werecongregatedintopopulousvillages，wheresomewild，highlandrivulet，tumblingdownfromitsbirthplaceintheuppermountainregion，hadbeencaughtandtamedbyhumancunning，andcompelledtoturnthemachineryofcotton-factories。
　　Theinhabitantsofthisvalley，inshort，werenumerous，andofmanymodesoflife。Butallofthem，grownpeopleandchildren，hadakindoffamiliaritywiththeGreatStoneFace，althoughsomepossessedthegiftofdistinguishingthisgrandnaturalphenomenonmoreperfectlythanmanyoftheirneighbors。
　　TheGreatStoneFace，then，wasaworkofNatureinhermoodofmajesticplayfulness，formedontheperpendicularsideofamountainbysomeimmenserocks，whichhadbeenthrowntogetherinsuchapositionas，whenviewedataproperdistance，preciselytoresemblethefeaturesofthehumancountenance。Itseemedasifanenormousgiant，oraTitan，hadsculpturedhisownlikenessontheprecipice。Therewasthebroadarchoftheforehead，ahundredfeetinheight;thenose，withitslongbridge;andthevastlips，which，iftheycouldhavespoken，wouldhaverolledtheirthunderaccentsfromoneendofthevalleytotheother。
　　Trueitis，thatifthespectatorapproachedtoonear，helosttheoutlineofthegiganticvisage，andcoulddiscernonlyaheapofponderousandgiganticrocks，piledinchaoticruinoneuponanother。Retracinghissteps，however，thewondrousfeatureswouldagainbeseen;andthefartherhewithdrewfromthem，themorelikeahumanface，withallitsoriginaldivinityintact，didtheyappear;until，asitgrewdiminthedistance，withthecloudsandglorifiedvaporofthemountainsclusteringaboutit，theGreatStoneFaceseemedpositivelytobealive。
　　ItwasahappylotforchildrentogrowuptomanhoodorwomanhoodwiththeGreatStoneFacebeforetheireyes，forallthefeatureswerenoble，andtheexpressionwasatoncegrandandsweet，asifitweretheglowofavast，warmheart，thatembracedallmankindinitsaffections，andhadroomformore。Itwasaneducationonlytolookatit。Accordingtothebeliefofmanypeople，thevalleyowedmuchofitsfertilitytothisbenignaspectthatwascontinuallybeamingoverit，illuminatingtheclouds，andinfusingitstendernessintothesunshine。
　　Aswebeganwithsaying，amotherandherlittleboysatattheircottage-door，gazingattheGreatStoneFace，andtalkingaboutit。Thechild’snamewasErnest。
　　"Mother，"saidhe，whiletheTitanicvisagesmiledonhim，"I
　　wishthatitcouldspeak，foritlookssoverykindlythatitsvoicemustneedsbepleasant。IfIweretoseeamanwithsuchaface，Ishouldlovehimdearly。"
　　"Ifanoldprophecyshouldcometopass，"answeredhismother，"wemayseeaman，sometimeorother，withexactlysuchafaceasthat。"
　　"Whatprophecydoyoumean，dearmother？"eagerlyinquiredErnest。"Praytellmeaboutit！"
　　Sohismothertoldhimastorythatherownmotherhadtoldtoher，whensheherselfwasyoungerthanlittleErnest;astory，notofthingsthatwerepast，butofwhatwasyettocome;astory，nevertheless，soveryold，thateventheIndians，whoformerlyinhabitedthisvalley，hadhearditfromtheirforefathers，towhom，astheyaffirmed，ithadbeenmurmuredbythemountainstreams，andwhisperedbythewindamongthetree-tops。Thepurportwas，that，atsomefutureday，achildshouldbebornhereabouts，whowasdestinedtobecomethegreatestandnoblestpersonageofhistime，andwhosecountenance，inmanhood，shouldbearanexactresemblancetotheGreatStoneFace。Notafewold-fashionedpeople，andyoungoneslikewise，intheardoroftheirhopes，stillcherishedanenduringfaithinthisoldprophecy。Butothers，whohadseenmoreoftheworld，hadwatchedandwaitedtilltheywereweary，andhadbeheldnomanwithsuchaface，noranymanthatprovedtobemuchgreaterornoblerthanhisneighbors，concludedittobenothingbutanidletale。Atallevents，thegreatmanoftheprophecyhadnotyetappeared。
　　"Omother，dearmother！"criedErnest，clappinghishandsabovehishead，"IdohopethatIshalllivetoseehim！"
　　Hismotherwasanaffectionateandthoughtfulwoman，andfeltthatitwaswisestnottodiscouragethegeneroushopesofherlittleboy。Sosheonlysaidtohim，"Perhapsyoumay。"
　　AndErnestneverforgotthestorythathismothertoldhim。Itwasalwaysinhismind，wheneverhelookedupontheGreatStoneFace。Hespenthischildhoodinthelog-cottagewherehewasborn，andwasdutifultohismother，andhelpfultoherinmanythings，assistinghermuchwithhislittlehands，andmorewithhislovingheart。Inthismanner，fromahappyyetoftenpensivechild，hegrewuptobeamild，quiet，unobtrusiveboy，andsun-brownedwithlaborinthefields，butwithmoreintelligencebrighteninghisaspectthanisseeninmanyladswhohavebeentaughtatfamousschools。YetErnesthadhadnoteacher，saveonlythattheGreatStoneFacebecameonetohim。Whenthetoilofthedaywasover，hewouldgazeatitforhours，untilhebegantoimaginethatthosevastfeaturesrecognizedhim，andgavehimasmileofkindnessandencouragement，responsivetohisownlookofveneration。Wemustnottakeuponustoaffirmthatthiswasamistake，althoughtheFacemayhavelookednomorekindlyatErnestthanatalltheworldbesides。Butthesecretwasthattheboy’stenderandconfidingsimplicitydiscernedwhatotherpeoplecouldnotsee;andthusthelove，whichwasmeantforall，becamehispeculiarportion。
　　Aboutthistimetherewentarumorthroughoutthevalley，thatthegreatman，foretoldfromageslongago，whowastobeararesemblancetotheGreatStoneFace，hadappearedatlast。Itseemsthat，manyyearsbefore，ayoungmanhadmigratedfromthevalleyandsettledatadistantseaport，where，aftergettingtogetheralittlemoney，hehadsetupasashopkeeper。Hisname——butIcouldneverlearnwhetheritwashisrealone，oranicknamethathadgrownoutofhishabitsandsuccessinlife——wasGathergold。Beingshrewdandactive，andendowedbyProvidencewiththatinscrutablefacultywhichdevelopsitselfinwhattheworldcallsluck，hebecameanexceedinglyrichmerchant，andownerofawholefleetofbulky-bottomedships。Allthecountriesoftheglobeappearedtojoinhandsforthemerepurposeofaddingheapafterheaptothemountainousaccumulationofthisoneman’swealth。Thecoldregionsofthenorth，almostwithinthegloomandshadowoftheArcticCircle，senthimtheirtributeintheshapeoffurs;hotAfricasiftedforhimthegoldensandsofherrivers，andgathereduptheivorytusksofhergreatelephantsoutoftheforests;theEastcamebringinghimtherichshawls，andspices，andteas，andtheeffulgenceofdiamonds，andthegleamingpurityoflargepearls。Theocean，nottobebehindhandwiththeearth，yieldeduphermightywhales，thatMr。Gathergoldmightselltheiroil，andmakeaprofitofit。Betheoriginalcommoditywhatitmight，itwasgoldwithinhisgrasp。Itmightbesaidofhim，asofMidasinthefable，thatwhateverhetouchedwithhisfingerimmediatelyglistened，andgrewyellow，andwaschangedatonceintosterlingmetal，or，whichsuitedhimstillbetter，intopilesofcoin。And，whenMr。
　　Gathergoldhadbecomesoveryrichthatitwouldhavetakenhimahundredyearsonlytocounthiswealth，hebethoughthimselfofhisnativevalley，andresolvedtogobackthither，andendhisdayswherehewasborn。Withthispurposeinview，hesentaskilfularchitecttobuildhimsuchapalaceasshouldbefitforamanofhisvastwealthtolivein。
　　AsIhavesaidabove，ithadalreadybeenrumoredinthevalleythatMr。Gathergoldhadturnedouttobethepropheticpersonagesolongandvainlylookedfor，andthathisvisagewastheperfectandundeniablesimilitudeoftheGreatStoneFace。Peoplewerethemorereadytobelievethatthismustneedsbethefact，whentheybeheldthesplendidedificethatrose，asifbyenchantment，onthesiteofhisfather’soldweatherbeatenfarm-house。Theexteriorwasofmarble，sodazzlinglywhitethatitseemedasthoughthewholestructuremightmeltawayinthesunshine，likethosehumbleroneswhichMr。Gathergold，inhisyoungplay-days，beforehisfingersweregiftedwiththetouchoftransmutation，hadbeenaccustomedtobuildofsnow。Ithadarichlyornamentedportico，supportedbytallpillars，beneathwhichwasaloftydoor，studdedwithsilverknobs，andmadeofakindofvariegatedwoodthathadbeenbroughtfrombeyondthesea。Thewindows，fromthefloortotheceilingofeachstatelyapartment，werecomposed，respectively，ofbutoneenormouspaneofglass，sotransparentlypurethatitwassaidtobeafinermediumthaneventhevacantatmosphere。Hardlyanybodyhadbeenpermittedtoseetheinteriorofthispalace;butitwasreported，andwithgoodsemblanceoftruth，tobefarmoregorgeousthantheoutside，insomuchthatwhateverwasironorbrassinotherhouseswassilverorgoldinthis;andMr。
　　Gathergold’sbedchamber，especially，madesuchaglitteringappearancethatnoordinarymanwouldhavebeenabletoclosehiseyesthere。But，ontheotherhand，Mr。Gathergoldwasnowsoinuredtowealth，thatperhapshecouldnothaveclosedhiseyesunlesswherethegleamofitwascertaintofinditswaybeneathhiseyelids。
　　Induetime，themansionwasfinished;nextcametheupholsterers，withmagnificentfurniture;then，awholetroopofblackandwhiteservants，theharbingersofMr。Gathergold，who，inhisownmajesticperson，wasexpectedtoarriveatsunset。OurfriendErnest，meanwhile，hadbeendeeplystirredbytheideathatthegreatman，thenobleman，themanofprophecy，aftersomanyagesofdelay，wasatlengthtobemademanifesttohisnativevalley。Heknew，boyashewas，thattherewereathousandwaysinwhichMr。Gathergold，withhisvastwealth，mighttransformhimselfintoanangelofbeneficence，andassumeacontroloverhumanaffairsaswideandbenignantasthesmileoftheGreatStoneFace。Fulloffaithandhope，Ernestdoubtednotthatwhatthepeoplesaidwastrue，andthatnowhewastobeholdthelivinglikenessofthosewondrousfeaturesonthemountain-side。Whiletheboywasstillgazingupthevalley，andfancying，ashealwaysdid，thattheGreatStoneFacereturnedhisgazeandlookedkindlyathim，therumblingofwheelswasheard，approachingswiftlyalongthewindingroad。
　　"Herehecomes！"criedagroupofpeoplewhowereassembledtowitnessthearrival。"HerecomesthegreatMr。Gathergold！"
　　Acarriage，drawnbyfourhorses，dashedroundtheturnoftheroad。Withinit，thrustpartlyoutofthewindow，appearedthephysiognomyoftheoldman，withaskinasyellowasifhisownMidas-handhadtransmutedit。Hehadalowforehead，small，sharpeyes，puckeredaboutwithinnumerablewrinkles，andverythinlips，whichhemadestillthinnerbypressingthemforciblytogether。
　　"TheveryimageoftheGreatStoneFace！"shoutedthepeople。
　　"Sureenough，theoldprophecyistrue;andherewehavethegreatmancome，atlast！"
　　And，whatgreatlyperplexedErnest，theyseemedactuallytobelievethatherewasthelikenesswhichtheyspokeof。Bytheroadsidetherechancedtobeanoldbeggar-womanandtwolittlebeggar-children，stragglersfromsomefar-offregion，who，asthecarriagerolledonward，heldouttheirhandsandlifteduptheirdolefulvoices，mostpiteouslybeseechingcharity。Ayellowclaw——theverysamethathadclawedtogethersomuchwealth——pokeditselfoutofthecoach-window，anddroptsomecoppercoinsupontheground;sothat，thoughthegreatman’snameseemstohavebeenGathergold，hemightjustassuitablyhavebeennicknamedScattercopper。Still，nevertheless，withanearnestshout，andevidentlywithasmuchgoodfaithasever，thepeoplebellowed，"HeistheveryimageoftheGreatStoneFace！"
　　ButErnestturnedsadlyfromthewrinkledshrewdnessofthatsordidvisage，andgazedupthevalley，where，amidagatheringmist，gildedbythelastsunbeams，hecouldstilldistinguishthosegloriousfeatureswhichhadimpressedthemselvesintohissoul。Theiraspectcheeredhim。Whatdidthebenignlipsseemtosay？
　　"Hewillcome！Fearnot，Ernest;themanwillcome！"
　　Theyearswenton，andErnestceasedtobeaboy。Hehadgrowntobeayoungmannow。Heattractedlittlenoticefromtheotherinhabitantsofthevalley;fortheysawnothingremarkableinhiswayoflifesavethat，whenthelaborofthedaywasover，hestilllovedtogoapartandgazeandmeditateupontheGreatStoneFace。Accordingtotheirideaofthematter，itwasafolly，indeed，butpardonable，inasmuchasErnestwasindustrious，kind，andneighborly，andneglectednodutyforthesakeofindulgingthisidlehabit。TheyknewnotthattheGreatStoneFacehadbecomeateachertohim，andthatthesentimentwhichwasexpressedinitwouldenlargetheyoungman’sheart，andfillitwithwideranddeepersympathiesthanotherhearts。
　　Theyknewnotthatthencewouldcomeabetterwisdomthancouldbelearnedfrombooks，andabetterlifethancouldbemouldedonthedefacedexampleofotherhumanlives。NeitherdidErnestknowthatthethoughtsandaffectionswhichcametohimsonaturally，inthefieldsandatthefireside，andwhereverhecommunedwithhimself，wereofahighertonethanthosewhichallmensharedwithhim。Asimplesoul，——simpleaswhenhismotherfirsttaughthimtheoldprophecy，——hebeheldthemarvellousfeaturesbeamingadownthevalley，andstillwonderedthattheirhumancounterpartwassolonginmakinghisappearance。
　　BythistimepoorMr。Gathergoldwasdeadandburied;andtheoddestpartofthematterwas，thathiswealth，whichwasthebodyandspiritofhisexistence，haddisappearedbeforehisdeath，leavingnothingofhimbutalivingskeleton，coveredoverwithawrinkledyellowskin。Sincethemeltingawayofhisgold，ithadbeenverygenerallyconcededthattherewasnosuchstrikingresemblance，afterall，betwixttheignoblefeaturesoftheruinedmerchantandthatmajesticfaceuponthemountain-side。Sothepeopleceasedtohonorhimduringhislifetime，andquietlyconsignedhimtoforgetfulnessafterhisdecease。Onceinawhile，itistrue，hismemorywasbroughtupinconnectionwiththemagnificentpalacewhichhehadbuilt，andwhichhadlongagobeenturnedintoahotelfortheaccommodationofstrangers，multitudesofwhomcame，everysummer，tovisitthatfamousnaturalcuriosity，theGreatStoneFace。Thus，Mr。
　　Gathergoldbeingdiscreditedandthrownintotheshade，themanofprophecywasyettocome。
　　Itsohappenedthatanative-bornsonofthevalley，manyyearsbefore，hadenlistedasasoldier，and，afteragreatdealofhardfighting，hadnowbecomeanillustriouscommander。Whateverhemaybecalledinhistory，hewasknownincampsandonthebattle-fieldunderthenicknameofOldBlood-and-Thunder。Thiswar-wornveteranbeingnowinfirmwithageandwounds，andwearyoftheturmoilofamilitarylife，andoftherollofthedrumandtheclangorofthetrumpet，thathadsolongbeenringinginhisears，hadlatelysignifiedapurposeofreturningtohisnativevalley，hopingtofindreposewhereherememberedtohaveleftit。Theinhabitants，hisoldneighborsandtheirgrown-upchildren，wereresolvedtowelcometherenownedwarriorwithasaluteofcannonandapublicdinner;andallthemoreenthusiastically，itbeingaffirmedthatnow，atlast，thelikenessoftheGreatStoneFacehadactuallyappeared。Anaid-de-campofOldBlood-and-Thunder，travellingthroughthevalley，wassaidtohavebeenstruckwiththeresemblance。