mother. She did not even thank her stepsister for
the trouble she had taken. The next day she
desired Marouckla to fetch her strawberries.

``Run,'' said she, ``and fetch me strawberries
from the mountain. They must be very sweet and
ripe.''

``But whoever heard of strawberries ripening in
the snow?'' exclaimed Marouckla.

``Hold your tongue, worm; don't answer me.
If I don't have my strawberries I will kill you,''
said Helen.

Then the stepmother pushed Marouckla into
the yard and bolted the door. The unhappy girl
made her way toward the mountain and to the
large fire round which sat the Twelve Months.
The great January occupied the highest place.

``Men of God, may I warm myself at your fire?
The winter cold chills me,'' said she, drawing near.

The great January raised his head and asked:
``Why comest thou here? What dost thou seek?''

``I am looking for strawberries,'' said she.

``We are in the midst of winter,'' replied