histmss-074991-0042

Mary recognized January by his long
white beard. He alone held a stick in
his hand. The poor daughter or girl
is afraid, but she is also very cold.
Finally she approached and said in a
timid voice:
My good sire, permit me to warm by
your fire, for I am so cold, so cold!
January looked at her and said to
her:
Why did you come here, my girl?
What are you looking for?
I am looking for violets, answered
Mary.
This is not the season, there are no
violets in time of snow, said January
with his big voice.
I know, continues Mary sadly, but my
sister and my mother will beat me with-
out mercy if I do not bring them. Tell
me, I pray you, where I can find them.
IV
Old January rose then and addressing
himself to one of the young men in the
green hood, gave him the stick and said: