Part 3 (1/2)
Laura's eyes opened very wide at this.
”How can I? I do not know the way.”
”We will guide you, if you have resolution enough to undertake it.”
Perplexed, Laura knew not what to say. How could she go alone? All sorts of dangers rose before her--great gloomy forests to traverse, wild beasts to meet, perhaps. She stood irresolute, her hand on the Motherkin's shoulder.
The old lady took her hand in hers as she said, ”I do not compel it, Laura.”
”But the poor little children--how can I be of service to them? I do not know how.”
”I will instruct you; I will aid you. All I ask is for you to go alone: will you, or will you not?”
A vision of the little lonely hut and the suffering child and the ministering sister rose before Laura.
”I will go,” she said, no longer irresolute.
”The blessing of the poor be upon you!” said Grim, and the Motherkin kissed her brow.
”Now, my child, have a good breakfast, and then I will tell you what you are to do.”
Laura obeyed very willingly, no longer disdaining good substantial food or the simple manner of its preparation. After breakfast the Motherkin opened her closets and chose a few garments for the poor children.
These, with a small flask of wine and some oat-cakes, were packed in a basket which had leather straps attached to go over Laura's shoulder.
Then she was arrayed in a flannel costume that her kind mother had sent with all her fineries. It was blue, with delicate traceries of silver, silver b.u.t.tons, and a silver belt, from which depended a pocket, a fruit-knife, and a little drinking-cup. In the pocket the Motherkin placed a few coins, and then a.s.sured Laura that there was but one thing needed.
”And what is that, dear Motherkin?” asked Laura.
”I will show you,” was the reply.
”Grim! Grim!” called the Motherkin to the dwarf, who was sunning himself out-of-doors.
”Yes, madam,” said Grim, hurriedly stirring himself.
”Do you think you can cut me a good stout staff for Lady Laura, without any injury to your lame ankle?”
”Of course, madam, of course. What wood shall it be?”
”Of wood that shall serve her well--you know their qualities even better than I; and whether it be ash or birch, you can get the elves to charm it, that it may have the power to guide her aright.”
Grim hobbled off in haste, and was soon seen emerging from the forest with the charmed staff in his hand. It was a light, pretty stick, and the Motherkin bade Laura be very careful not to lose it, as it could not be replaced by any ordinary wood.
”And now, my child, you are ready. I will conduct you to the path on which you set forth. You are to follow it all day, wherever it may lead; at night you are to sleep beneath the canopy of heaven; but have no fears: we guard you. In the morning place your staff in your hand, penetrate the forest by which you will be surrounded, and the staff will guide you to the bed of a mountain stream; follow it patiently until the rocks become precipitous, then climb the bank towards which your staff will incline; this will bring you to the summit of the hills, in one of the valleys of which dwell the children you seek. Constantly allow yourself to be guided by your staff; it will very gently but very surely determine your path. Let no song of birds or murmur of bees, no fragrance of flowers nor music of brooks, detain you; do not linger.
Hasten on, and you shall be guided going and coming.”
”And the children--what am I to do for them?” asked Laura.
”Give them the clothes, food, and wine, and such a.s.sistance as your heart may suggest.”