feet across the field into the deep wood.

[Illustration]




CHAPTER THIRD.


HOW KAREN TRIED TO GO TO CHURCH AGAIN, HOW SHE PRAYED AND WAS SORRY, AND
HOW AN ANGEL CAME TO COMFORT HER, AND HOW HAPPY SHE BECAME.

And the executioner carved out little wooden feet for her, and crutches,
and taught her the psalms criminals always sing; and she kissed the hand
which had wielded the axe, and went over the heath.

"Now I have suffered enough for the red shoes!" said she; "now I will go
into the church, that people may see me!" And she hastened towards the
church-door; but when she neared it the red shoes danced before her,
and she was terrified, and turned around.

The whole week she was unhappy, and wept many bitter tears; but when
Sunday returned, she said--

"Well, now I have struggled enough! I really believe I am as good as
many a one who sits in the church, and hold their heads so high!"

And away she went boldly; but she had not got farther than the
churchyard-gate, before she saw the red shoes dancing before her, and