They told pleasant tales , and sang their sweetest songs to cheer and gladden , while the dim cells grew bright with the sunlight , and fragrant with the flowers the loving Elves had brought , and by their gentle teachings those sad , despairing hearts were filled with patient hope and earnest longing to win back their lost innocence and joy . Thus to all who needed help or comfort went the faithful Fairies ; and when at length they turned towards Fairy-Land , many were the grateful , happy hearts they left behind . Then through the summer sky , above the blossoming earth , they journeyed home , happier for the joy they had given , wiser for the good they had done . All Fairy-Land was dressed in flowers , and the soft wind went singing by , laden with their fragrant breath . Sweet music sounded through the air , and troops of Elves in their gayest robes hastened to the palace where the feast was spread . Soon the bright hall was filled with smiling faces and fair forms , and little Eva , as she stood beside the Queen , thought she had never seen a sight so lovely . The many-colored shadows of the fairest flowers played on the pure white walls , and fountains sparkled in the sunlight , making music as the cool waves rose and fell , while to and fro , with waving wings and joyous voices , went the smiling Elves , bearing fruit and honey , or fragrant garlands for each other 's hair . Long they feasted , gayly they sang , and Eva , dancing merrily among them , longed to be an Elf that she might dwell forever in so fair a home . At length the music ceased , and the Queen said , as she laid her hand on little Eva 's shining hair : -- `` Dear child , tomorrow we must bear you home , for , much as we long to keep you , it were wrong to bring such sorrow to your loving earthly friends ; therefore we will guide you to the brook-side , and there say farewell till you come again to visit us . Nay , do not weep , dear Rose-Leaf ; you shall watch over little Eva 's flowers , and when she looks at them she will think of you . Come now and lead her to the Fairy garden , and show her what we think our fairest sight . Weep no more , but strive to make her last hours with us happy as you can . '' With gentle caresses and most tender words the loving Elves gathered about the child , and , with Rose-Leaf by her side , they led her through the palace , and along green , winding paths , till Eva saw what seemed a wall of flowers rising before her , while the air was filled with the most fragrant odors , and the low , sweet music as of singing blossoms . `` Where have you brought me , and what mean these lovely sounds ? '' asked Eva . `` Look here , and you shall see , '' said Rose-Leaf , as she bent aside the vines , `` but listen silently or you can not hear . '' Then Eva , looking through the drooping vines , beheld a garden filled with the loveliest flowers ; fair as were all the blossoms she had seen in Fairy-Land , none were so beautiful as these . The rose glowed with a deeper crimson , the lily 's soft leaves were more purely white , the crocus and humble cowslip shone like sunlight , and the violet was blue as the sky that smiled above it . `` How beautiful they are , '' whispered Eva , `` but , dear Rose-Leaf , why do you keep them here , and why call you this your fairest sight ? '' `` Look again , and I will tell you , '' answered the Fairy .
Eva looked , and saw from every flower a tiny form come forth to welcome the Elves , who all , save XXXXX , had flown above the wall , and were now scattering dew upon the flowers ' bright leaves and talking gayly with the Spirits , who gathered around them , and seemed full of joy that they had come .
Elf Elves Eva Fairy-Land Queen Rose-Leaf cowslip fro garlands left