of various ages. They were sitting and reclining all around in ones,
twos, and threes. In the middle some thirty boys and girls were
singing and dancing; their dance followed strictly the rhythm of the
tune and interpreted the words of the song with beautiful fidelity.
They were directed by a tall, graceful girl who had a strong, sonorous
voice, braids of magnificent golden hair, and grey, cheerful eyes.

All of them, the children as well as their instructresses--of whom
three or four were to be seen--were dressed quite simply and alike.
Their simple, light attire seemed beautiful. It was pleasant to look
at them, perhaps because their dress revealed the active parts of
their body, the arms and the legs. Dress here was made to protect, and
not to conceal; to clothe, and not to muffle.

The blue and red of the hats and of the dresses gave emphasis to the
vivid tones of the faces and of the arms and legs. There was a spirit
of gaiety here, a sense of holiday splendour in these naturally
adorned bodies, boldly revealed under clear azure skies.

Some of the children from among those who did not sing approached the
sisters and looked at them in a friendly manner, smiling trustfully.

"You may sit down if you like," said a boy with very blue eyes; "here
is a bench."

"Thank you, my dear," said Elisaveta.

The sisters sat down. The children wished to talk to them. One little
girl said: