`` 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 , '' asked Jack , who did not like to have Jill 's past troubles dwelt upon , since his were not . `` She is coming . Saints are not born -- they are made after many trials and tribulations , '' answered his mother , looking at the fire as if it helped her to spin her little story . `` Well , the poor child used to sing sometimes to while away the long hours -- sad songs mostly , and one among them which the queen taught her was ` Sweet Patience , Come . ' `` This she used to sing a great deal after a while , never dreaming that Patience was an angel who could hear and obey . But it was so ; and one night , when the girl had lulled herself to sleep with that song , the angel came . Nobody saw the lovely spirit with tender eyes , and a voice that was like balm . No one heard the rustle of wings as she hovered over the little bed and touched the lips , the eyes , the hands of the sleeper , and then flew away , leaving three gifts behind .
The girl did not know why , but after that XXXXX the songs grew gayer , there seemed to be more sunshine everywhere her eyes looked , and her hands were never tired of helping others in various pretty , useful , or pleasant ways .
Frank Jack Jill Lucy Snowdrop balm fire hours night tribulations