mountain. Upon the highest peak burned a large
fire, surrounded by twelve blocks of stone on
which sat twelve strange beings. Of these the
first three had white hair, three were not quite
so old, three were young and handsome, and the
rest still younger.

There they all sat silently looking at the fire.
They were the Twelve Months of the Year. The
great January was placed higher than the others.
His hair and mustache were white as snow, and in
his hand he held a wand. At first Marouckla was
afraid, but after a while her courage returned, and
drawing near, she said:--

``Men of God, may I warm myself at your
fire? I am chilled by the winter cold.''

The great January raised his head and answered:
``What brings thee here, my daughter?
What dost thou seek?''

``I am looking for violets,'' replied the maiden.

``This is not the season for violets. Dost thou
not see the snow everywhere?'' said January.

``I know well, but my sister Helen and my
stepmother have ordered me to bring them violets
from your mountain. If I return without them