they called Katrinka "Katrinka Sunshine". All the children of the little
village loved Katrinka, for she always had a cooky or a dainty in her
apron pocket to give them, or she would pat them on their curly heads
and smile cheerily at them through her glasses. And all the children
avoided Matilda, for, sometimes mistaking her for Katrinka and running
close to greet her, they would have their noses tweeked for their
trouble.

Matilda's life was lonely and cold; no one went to see her. She was
always unhappy.

[Illustration]

Katrinka's house always echoed with the laughter of children;
everyone went to see her. She was always joyful and cheery.

One night while Matilda sat at her dark window looking across at
Katrinka's house, she saw a crowd of people tip-toeing up to the stoop
with baskets under their arms and flowers in their hands and when all
had crowded upon the porch they stamped their feet and made a great
noise.

Matilda was very angry, but Katrinka ran laughing to the door and
greeted all with her kindliest smile. It was a surprise party for
Katrinka, for it was her birthday.

Matilda watched the party from her dark window and the longer she
watched, the more angry she grew, for the longer the party lasted, the
louder grew the happy laughter.