I walked on the ice, and being almost worn out, sat on the bridge and fell to watching the water bubbling under the glassy crust.

I was so dull a horse's feet struck the bridge before I heard the bells--for I had bells in my ears that day--and when I looked up it was the Princess--the Princess in her red dress and furs, with a silk hood instead of her hat, her sleigh like a picture, with a buffalo robe, that it was whispered about the country, cost over a hundred dollars, and her thoroughbred mare Maud dancing and prancing.

"Bless me! Is it you, Little Sister ?" she asked.

"Shall I give you a ride home ?" Before I could scarcely realize she was there, I was beside her and she was tucking the fine warm robe over me.

I lifted a pair of dull eyes to her face.
"Oh Princess, I am so glad you came," I said.