VIII. A MOTHER
IX. A GREAT CHANGE
X. NEW LIFE IN ILLER-STREAM




CHAPTER I

BESIDE THE ROARING ILLER-STREAM



Spring had come again on the banks of the Iller-Stream, and the young
beech trees were swaying to and fro. One moment their glossy foliage
was sparkling in the sunshine, and the next a deep shadow was cast
over the leaves. A strong south wind was blowing, driving huge clouds
across the sun.

A little girl with glowing cheeks and blowing hair came running through
the wood. Her eyes sparkled with delight, while she was being driven
along by the wind, or had to fight her way against it. From her arm
was dangling a hat, which, as she raced along, seemed anxious to free
itself from the fluttering ribbons in order to fly away. The child now
slackened her pace and began to sing:

The snow's on the meadow,
The snow's all around,
The snow lies in heaps
All over the ground.