The cottage was always full of village children , for they amused Snowflake , and there was nothing in the world they would not have done to amuse her . She was their doll , and they were continually inventing new dresses for her , and teaching her songs or playing with her . Nobody knew how clever she was ! She noticed everything , and could learn a lesson in a moment . Anyone would have taken her for thirteen at least ! And , besides all that , she was so good and obedient ; and so pretty , too ! Her skin was as white as snow , her eyes as blue as forget-me-nots , and her hair was long and golden . Only her cheeks had no colour in them , but were as fair as her forehead . So the winter went on , till at last the spring sun mounted higher in the heavens and began to warm the earth . The grass grew green in the fields , and high in the air the larks were heard singing . The village girls met and danced in a ring , singing , ` Beautiful spring , how came you here ? How came you here ? Did you come on a plough , or was it a harrow ? ' Only Snowflake sat quite still by the window of the cottage . ` What is the matter , dear child ? ' asked Marie . ` Why are you so sad ? Are you ill ? or have they treated you unkindly ? ' ` No , ' replied Snowflake , ` it is nothing , mother ; no one has hurt me ; I am well . '
The spring sun had chased away the last snow from its hiding place under the hedges ; the fields were full XXXXX flowers ; nightingales sang in the trees , and all the world was gay .
So as at besides in of on that to with