histmss-074991-0040

blows with the gentleness of a lamb,
Nothing seemed to pacify the step-
mother because each day added to
the beauty of the elder and the ugli-
ness of the younger.

II.

It was winter now, it was very cold
outdoors the wind blew, the snow
fell. One day, in the middle of
winter, Henrietta called her sister
and said to her:

Come, Mary, go look for a bouquet
of violets; I will put them in my belt
and smell them.

But, my sister, what an idea! Are
there violets under the snow?
Be still, said the younger , and do as
I tell you. If you do not go to the
woods, if you do not bring me a
bouquet of violets, I will beat you
without mercy.

Many commenced to cry, but her
mother did not listen. She seized
her by the arm and hurled her
toward the door.