The Spirits gladly welcomed her , and led her to the Queen , before whom she poured out the sparkling gems she had gathered with such toil and care ; but when the Spirits tried to form them into crowns , they trickled from their hands like colored drops of dew , and Ripple saw with fear and sorrow how they melted one by one away , till none of all the many she had brought remained . Then the Fire-Spirits looked upon her angrily , and when she begged them to be merciful , and let her try once more , saying , -- `` Do not keep me prisoner here . I can not breathe the flames that give you life , and but for this snow-mantle I too should melt away , and vanish like the jewels in your hands . O dear Spirits , give me some other task , but let me go from this warm place , where all is strange and fearful to a Spirit of the sea . '' They would not listen ; and drew nearer , saying , while bright sparks showered from their lips , `` We will not let you go , for you have promised to be ours if the gems you brought proved worthless ; so fling away this cold white cloak , and bathe with us in the fire fountains , and help us bring back to our bosom flames the light we gave you for the child . '' Then Ripple sank down on the burning floor , and felt that her life was nearly done ; for she well knew the hot air of the fire-palace would be death to her . The Spirits gathered round , and began to lift her mantle off ; but underneath they saw the pearl chain , shining with a clear , soft light , that only glowed more brightly when they laid their hands upon it . `` O give us this ! '' cried they ; `` it is far lovelier than all the rest , and does not melt away like them ; and see how brilliantly it glitters in our hands . If we may but have this , all will be well , and you are once more free . '' And Ripple , safe again beneath her snow flake , gladly gave the chain to them ; and told them how the pearls they now placed proudly on their breasts were formed of tears , which but for them might still be flowing . Then the Spirits smiled most kindly on her , and would have put their arms about her , and have kissed her cheek , but she drew back , telling them that every touch of theirs was like a wound to her . `` Then , if we may not tell our pleasure so , we will show it in a different way , and give you a pleasant journey home . Come out with us , '' the Spirits said , `` and see the bright path we have made for you . '' So they led her to the lofty gate , and here , from sky to earth , a lovely rainbow arched its radiant colors in the sun . `` This is indeed a pleasant road , '' said Ripple . `` Thank you , friendly Spirits , for your care ; and now farewell . I would gladly stay yet longer , but we can not dwell together , and I am longing sadly for my own cool home . Now Sunbeam , Breeze , Leaf , and Flake , fly back to the Seasons whence you came , and tell them that , thanks to their kind gifts , Ripple 's work at last is done . '' Then down along the shining pathway spread before her , the happy little Spirit glided to the sea .
`` Thanks , dear Summer-Wind , '' said the XXXXX ; `` we will remember the lessons you have each taught us , and when next we meet in Fern Dale , you shall tell us more .
Fire-Spirits Flake Leaf Queen Sunbeam fire fire-palace lips pathway snow-mantle