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 shining 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 . The cool waves ' gentle plashing against the boat , and the sweet chime of the lily-bells , lulled little Eva to sleep , and when she woke it was in Fairy-Land . A faint , rosy light , as of the setting sun , shone on the white pillars of the Queen 's palace as they passed in , and the sleeping flowers leaned gracefully on their stems , dreaming beneath their soft green curtains . All was cool and still , and the Elves glided silently about , lest they should break their slumbers . They led Eva to a bed of pure white leaves , above which drooped the fragrant petals of a crimson rose . `` You can look at the bright colors till the light fades , and then the rose will sing you to sleep , '' said the Elves , as they folded the soft leaves about her , gently kissed her , and stole away . Long she lay watching the bright shadows , and listening to the song of the rose , while through the long night dreams of lovely things floated like bright clouds through her mind ; while the rose bent lovingly above her , and sang in the clear moonlight .
With the sun rose the Fairies , and , with Eva , hastened away to the fountain , whose cool waters were soon filled with little forms , and the air ringing with happy voices , as the XXXXX floated in the blue waves among the fair white lilies , or sat on the green moss , smoothing their bright locks , and wearing fresh garlands of dewy flowers .
Elves Eva Fairy-Land Queen chime clover-blossoms dews fades night slumbers