Then Gerda told her everything, and asked her if she had seen
Kay. But she said he had not passed that way yet, but he would
soon come.

She told Gerda not to be sad, and that she should stay with her
and take of the cherry trees and flowers, which were better than
any picture-bok, as they could each tell a story.

She then took Gerda's hand and led her into the little house and
shut the door.

The windows were very high, and the panes were red, blue, and
yellow, so that the light came through in curious colours. On
the table were the most delicious cherries, and the old woman let
Gerda eat as many as she liked, while she combed her hair with a
gold comb as she ate.

The beautiful sunny hair rippled and shone round the dear little
face, which was so soft and sweet. 'I have always longed to have
a dear little girl just like you, and you shall see how happy we
will be together.'

And as she combed Gerda's hair, Gerda thought less and less about
Kay, for the old woman was a witch, but not a wicked witch, for
she only enchanted now and then to amuse herself, and she did
want to keep little Gerda very much.

So she went into the garden and waved her stick over all the rose
bushes and blossoms and all; they sank down into the black earth,