So they took hands and began to prance about uncle and niece , singing , with sudden inspiration , the nursery rhyme , `` Ring around a Rosy ! '' Of course that put an end to all sentiment , and Rose emerged laughing from Dr. Alec 's bosom , with the mark of a waistcoat button nicely imprinted on her left cheek . He saw it , and said with a merry kiss that half effaced it , `` This is my ewe lamb , and I have set my mark on her , so no one can steal her away . '' That tickled the boys , and they set up a shout of , `` Uncle had a little lamb ! '' THE FROST-KING : OR , THE POWER OF LOVE . THREE little Fairies sat in the fields eating their breakfast ; each among the leaves of her favorite flower , Daisy , Primrose , and Violet , were happy as Elves need be . The morning wind gently rocked them to and fro , and the sun shone warmly down upon the dewy grass , where butterflies spread their gay wings , and bees with their deep voices sung among the flowers ; while the little birds hopped merrily about to peep at them . On a silvery mushroom was spread the breakfast ; little cakes of flower-dust lay on a broad green leaf , beside a crimson strawberry , which , with sugar from the violet , and cream from the yellow milkweed , made a fairy meal , and their drink was the dew from the flowers ' bright leaves . `` Ah me , '' sighed Primrose , throwing herself languidly back , `` how warm the sun grows ! give me another piece of strawberry , and then I must hasten away to the shadow of the ferns . But while I eat , tell me , dear Violet , why are you all so sad ? I have scarce seen a happy face since my return from Rose Land ; dear friend , what means it ? '' `` I will tell you , '' replied little Violet , the tears gathering in her soft eyes . `` Our good Queen is ever striving to keep the dear flowers from the power of the cruel Frost-King ; many ways she tried , but all have failed . She has sent messengers to his court with costly gifts ; but all have returned sick for want of sunlight , weary and sad ; we have watched over them , heedless of sun or shower , but still his dark spirits do their work , and we are left to weep over our blighted blossoms . Thus have we striven , and in vain ; and this night our Queen holds council for the last time . Therefore are we sad , dear Primrose , for she has toiled and cared for us , and we can do nothing to help or advise her now . '' `` It is indeed a cruel thing , '' replied her friend ; `` but as we can not help it , we must suffer patiently , and not let the sorrows of others disturb our happiness . But , dear sisters , see you not how high the sun is getting ? I have my locks to curl , and my robe to prepare for the evening ; therefore I must be gone , or I shall be brown as a withered leaf in this warm light . ''
So , gathering a tiny mushroom for a parasol , she flew away ; Daisy soon followed , and Violet was XXXXX alone .
Alec Daisy Elves FROST-KING Queen Violet evening left milkweed morning