Part 17 (1/2)

When the light rises we change into dew-drops The plants drink us and we beco until in tiain as sprites from out their flowers”

”Then you were once another sprite?” asked Maya, tense, breathless with interest

The earnest eyes said yes

”But I have forgottenin our flower-sleep”

”Oh, what a lovely fate!”

”It is the same as that of all earthly creatures, when you really come to think of it, even if it isn't always flowers out of which they wake up froht”

”Oh, I'ot a wish? You're the first person I've rant your dearest wish”

”I? But I'reat a joy I don't deserve it, I don't deserve that you should be so good to ood and the beautiful come to us like the sunshi+ne”

Maya's heart beat stor wish, but she didn't dare confess it The elf see a secret froolden hair off his pure forehead

”I'd like to know hus at their best and most beautiful,” said the little bee She spoke quickly and hotly

She was afraid she would be told that so great a wish could not be granted

But the sprite drew himself up, his expression was serious and serene, his eyes shone with confidence He took Maya's treether Your wish shall be granted”

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

CHAPTER XI

WITH THE SPRITE

And so Maya and the flower-sprite started off together in the brightlow over the blosso the brook shone as though a star were gliding through the water

How happy the little bee was to confide herself to this gracious being! Whatever he were to do, wherever he were to lead her would be good and right, she felt She would have liked to ask him a thousand questions had she dared

As they were passing between a double row of high poplar-trees, so as a bird, crossed their way