`` Call it a parable , and have a moral to it , then it will be all right , '' put in Frank , as he shut his big book , having found what he wanted . `` I like stories about saints , and the good and wonderful things they did , '' said Jill , who enjoyed the wise and interesting bits Mrs. Minot often found for her in grown-up books , for Jill had thoughtful times , and asked questions which showed that she was growing fast in mind if not in body . `` This is a true story ; but I will disguise it a little , and call it ` The Miracle of Saint Lucy , ' '' began Mrs. Minot , seeing a way to tell her good news and amuse the children likewise . Frank retired to the easy-chair , that he might sleep if the tale should prove too childish for him . Jill settled herself among her cushions , and Jack lay flat upon the rug , with his feet up , so that he could admire his red slippers and rest his knee , which ached . `` Once upon a time there was a queen who had two princes . '' `` Was n't there a princess ? '' asked Jack , interested at once . `` No ; and it was a great sorrow to the queen that she had no little daughter , for the sons were growing up , and she was often very lonely . `` Like Snowdrop 's mother , '' whispered Jill . `` Now , do n't keep interrupting , children , or we never shall get on , '' said Frank , more anxious to hear about the boys that were than the girl that was not . `` One day , when the princes were out -- ahem ! we 'll say hunting -- they found a little damsel lying on the snow , half dead with cold , they thought . She was the child of a poor woman who lived in the forest -- a wild little thing , always dancing and singing about ; as hard to catch as a squirrel , and so fearless she would climb the highest trees , leap broad brooks , or jump off the steep rocks to show her courage . The boys carried her home to the palace , and the queen was glad to have her . She had fallen and hurt herself , so she lay in bed week after week , with her mother to take care of her -- '' `` That 's you , '' whispered Jack , throwing the white carnation at Jill , and she threw back the red one , with her finger on her lips , for the tale was very interesting now . `` She did not suffer much after a time , but she scolded and cried , and could not be resigned , because she was a prisoner . The queen tried to help her , but she could not do much ; the princes were kind , but they had their books and plays , and were away a good deal . Some friends she had came often to see her , but still she beat her wings against the bars , like a wild bird in a cage , and soon her spirits were all gone , and it was sad to see her . '' `` Where was your Saint Lucy ?
I thought it was about her , '' XXXXX Jack , who did not like to have Jill 's past troubles dwelt upon , since his were not .
asked began climb found hurt lived put said showed whispered