EVA 'S VISIT TO FAIRY-LAND . DOWN among the grass and fragrant clover lay little Eva by the brook-side , watching the bright waves , as they went singing by under the drooping flowers that grew on its banks . As she was wondering where the waters went , she heard a faint , low sound , as of far-off music . She thought it was the wind , but not a leaf was stirring , and soon through the rippling water came a strange little boat . It was a lily of the valley , whose tall stem formed the mast , while the broad leaves that rose from the roots , and drooped again till they reached the water , were filled with gay little Elves , who danced to the music of the silver lily-bells above , that rang a merry peal , and filled the air with their fragrant breath . On came the fairy boat , till it reached a moss-grown rock ; and here it stopped , while the Fairies rested beneath the violet-leaves , and sang with the dancing waves . Eva looked with wonder on their gay faces and bright garments , and in the joy of her heart sang too , and threw crimson fruit for the little folks to feast upon . They looked kindly on the child , and , after whispering long among themselves , two little bright-eyed Elves flew over the shining water , and , lighting on the clover-blossoms , said gently , `` Little maiden , many thanks for your kindness ; and our Queen bids us ask if you will go with us to Fairy-Land , and learn what we can teach you . '' `` Gladly would I go with you , dear Fairies , '' said Eva , `` but I can not sail in your little boat . See ! I can hold you in my hand , and could not live among you without harming your tiny kingdom , I am so large . '' Then the Elves laughed gayly , as they folded their arms about her , saying , `` You are a good child , dear Eva , to fear doing harm to those weaker than yourself . You can not hurt us now . Look in the water and see what we have done . '' Eva looked into the brook , and saw a tiny child standing between the Elves . `` Now I can go with you , '' said she , `` but see , I can no longer step from the bank to yonder stone , for the brook seems now like a great river , and you have not given me wings like yours . '' But the Fairies took each a hand , and flew lightly over the stream . The Queen and her subjects came to meet her , and all seemed glad to say some kindly word of welcome to the little stranger . They placed a flower-crown upon her head , laid their soft faces against her own , and soon it seemed as if the gentle Elves had always been her friends . `` Now must we go home , '' said the Queen , `` and you shall go with us , little one . ''
Then there was a great bustle , as they flew about on XXXXX wings , some laying cushions of violet leaves in the boat , others folding the Queen 's veil and mantle more closely round her , lest the falling dews should chill her .
Look drooped given go looked placed sail see shining step