Verotchka's Tales Part 17

"Yes, yes. I'm fixing one now." And he pointed to a tall pole that didn't look like a Christmas tree at all.

"What sort of Christmas tree is that, Grandfather? It's nothing but a long stick."

"Wait and see," said Grandfather.

Grandfather carried Verotchka into a tiny village almost buried in snow. Only the roofs and chimneys were visible. The country children were all waiting for the old grandfather. They jumped and shouted, when they saw him.

"Christmas tree! Christmas tree!"

They came to the first hut. Grandfather got an unbroken sheaf of oats, tied it to the end of the pole and stuck the pole on the roof.

Immediately the tiny birds that do not go away for the winter flew upon it from all sides and began pecking the seeds.

"It is our Christmas tree," they shouted.

Suddenly, Verotchka felt very happy. That was the first time she had seen a Christmas tree made for the winter birds.

"What a kind old grandfather!"

One little Sparrow, bustling about more than the others, recognized Verotchka and called out!

"Why, this is Verotchka! I know her very well. Many, many times has she scattered crumbs for me."

Other Sparrows also recognized her and piped noisily with joy.

Then came another Sparrow that turned out to be the squabbler. He began pushing everybody aside and s.n.a.t.c.hing the best seeds. This was the same Sparrow who had quarreled with Stickelback. Verotchka knew him at once.

"h.e.l.lo, Master Sparrow!" she said.

"Is that you, Verotchka? Why, h.e.l.lo!"

Sparrow Squabbler hopped on one leg, winked knowingly with one eye and said to the old man:

"Why, this is Verotchka, who wants to be the Queen. I myself heard her say that."

"Do you want to be a Queen, Little One?" asked the Old Man.

"Yes, very much, Grandfather," said Verotchka.

"Very well," said the wise old man. "There is nothing simpler. Every Queen is a woman and every woman a Queen. Now go home and tell that to all the other little girls."

Lady Bug was very glad to get away. She was afraid that the quarrelsome Sparrow would gobble her up.

So Verotchka and Lady Bug flew home. Faster and faster they flew. At home, all the flowers were waiting for Verotchka. They had been wondering what is a Queen all the time she was away.

Lulla-lullaby. Verotchka's one eye is sleeping; the other little eye is open. Verotchka's one little ear is sleeping; the other ear listens.

Now everybody gathered about Verotchka's bed. Bold Rabbit, Bear Mishka, Squabbling Rooster and Sparrow, Black-headed Crow, Stickelback and tiny, tiny Cacinella. They were all there near Verotchka.

"Father, I love them all," whispered Verotchka. "I love even the Black Roach, Father."

Verotchka's other eye is asleep. The other little ear is also asleep.

Near Verotchka's bed, the green spring gra.s.s grows gaily, the flowers are smiling--many flowers, blue, pink, yellow, azure and scarlet. The green birch bends over Verotchka's bed and whispers something, lovingly.

The sun is shining, the sand is yellow, and the blue sea waves beckon to Verotchka to come to them.

Sleep, Verotchka, and grow strong!

Lulla-Lullaby.

[Ill.u.s.tration]

THE END