Then Eva , looking through the drooping vines , beheld a garden filled with the loveliest flowers ; fair as were all the blossoms she had seen in Fairy-Land , none were so beautiful as these . The rose glowed with a deeper crimson , the lily 's soft leaves were more purely white , the crocus and humble cowslip shone like sunlight , and the violet was blue as the sky that smiled above it . `` How beautiful they are , '' whispered Eva , `` but , dear Rose-Leaf , why do you keep them here , and why call you this your fairest sight ? '' `` Look again , and I will tell you , '' answered the Fairy . Eva looked , and saw from every flower a tiny form come forth to welcome the Elves , who all , save Rose-Leaf , had flown above the wall , and were now scattering dew upon the flowers ' bright leaves and talking gayly with the Spirits , who gathered around them , and seemed full of joy that they had come . The child saw that each one wore the colors of the flower that was its home . Delicate and graceful were the little forms , bright the silken hair that fell about each lovely face ; and Eva heard the low , sweet murmur of their silvery voices and the rustle of their wings . She gazed in silent wonder , forgetting she knew not who they were , till the Fairy said , -- `` These are the spirits of the flowers , and this the Fairy Home where those whose hearts were pure and loving on the earth come to bloom in fadeless beauty here , when their earthly life is past . The humblest flower that blooms has a home with us , for outward beauty is a worthless thing if all be not fair and sweet within . Do you see yonder lovely spirit singing with my sister Moonlight ? a clover blossom was her home , and she dwelt unknown , unloved ; yet patient and content , bearing cheerfully the sorrows sent her . We watched and saw how fair and sweet the humble flower grew , and then gladly bore her here , to blossom with the lily and the rose . The flowers ' lives are often short , for cruel hands destroy them ; therefore is it our greatest joy to bring them hither , where no careless foot or wintry wind can harm them , where they bloom in quiet beauty , repaying our care by their love and sweetest perfumes . '' `` I will never break another flower , '' cried Eva ; `` but let me go to them , dear Fairy ; I would gladly know the lovely spirits , and ask forgiveness for the sorrow I have caused . May I not go in ? '' `` Nay , dear Eva , you are a mortal child , and can not enter here ; but I will tell them of the kind little maiden who has learned to love them , and they will remember you when you are gone . Come now , for you have seen enough , and we must be away . '' On a rosy morning cloud , surrounded by the loving Elves , went Eva through the sunny sky . The fresh wind bore them gently on , and soon they stood again beside the brook , whose waves danced brightly as if to welcome them . `` Now , ere we say farewell , '' said the Queen , as they gathered nearer to the child , `` tell me , dear Eva , what among all our Fairy gifts will make you happiest , and it shall be yours . ''
`` You good little Fairies , '' XXXXX Eva , folding them in her arms , for she was no longer the tiny child she had been in Fairy-Land , `` you dear good little Elves , what can I ask of you , who have done so much to make me happy , and taught me so many good and gentle lessons , the memory of which will never pass away ?
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