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"My name is Poor Dorel," replied the child; "my father and mother are long since dead; and I have nothing to eat but goat's milk and strawberries:" and, as she spoke, the large tears started afresh. "Poor Dorel! you are the first one I ever saw who had as much trouble as I. I, too, have lost a father and mother."
"Where is that?" said Dorel, eagerly. "I do not quite know, little girl; but it is not in the bosom of the earth, and it is not in the sun-bright deep: so I suppose it is over the hills, and far away." "Now I know who you are," said Dorel. "You are the lost sylphid; and people say you have travelled all over the world.
"Now I love you," said Dorel; "but more for the kiss than any thing else; and I am going before you to cut down the thorns that shoot out by the wayside. I am a little mountain-girl, and know how to use the pruning-knife." Little One danced for joy.
"Were they a king and queen?" asked Dorel, wiping her eyes, and gazing at Little One's beautiful dress and glittering ornaments. "They loved me dearly," replied Little One sadly; "yet I never heard that they were king and queen. Come with me, darling Dorel! I never before saw any one who was hungry. Come with me! I live in a country where there is food enough for everybody."
They were magical shoes; but, no matter how fast they skimmed over the ground, Dorel, out of pure love, continued to go before, talking and laughing and smoothing the way. One by one Little One sold her jewels to buy bread, which she shared with all the needy she chanced to meet. After many days there remained but one gem; and she wept because she had no more to give.
But, if you do not know the way home, pray how can you tell which road to take?" "Oh! I have a guide, a beautiful fairy, called Whisper: she shows me every step of the way. I wish you would go too, little Dorel!" "I think I will not, little Sylphid; for, if you have only a Whisper for a guide, I do not believe you will ever get there; but, oh, you are very, very beautiful!"
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