Hulda now grew tall , and became a fair young maiden , and she often wished for the day when she might go down to the south , that she might have a better chance of seeing the cruel gnome , and as she sat at work in her room alone she often asked the bird to sing to her , but he never sang any other songs than the two she had heard at first . And now two full years had passed away , and it was again the height of the Norway summer , but the fairy had not made her appearance . . . . . . . . . . .
As the days began to shorten , Hulda's cheeks lost their bright color , and her steps their merry lightness ; she became pale and wan . Her parents were grieved to see her change so fast , but they hoped , as the weary winter came on , that the cheerful fire and gay company would revive her ; but
