asked Pandora . `` Just as you please , '' said Epimetheus . `` You have done so much mischief already , that perhaps you may as well do a little more . One other Trouble , in such a swarm as you have set adrift about the world , can make no very great difference . '' `` You might speak a little more kindly ! '' murmured Pandora , wiping her eyes . `` Ah , naughty boy ! '' cried the little voice within the box , in an arch and laughing tone . `` He knows he is longing to see me . Come , my dear Pandora , lift up the lid . I am in a great hurry to comfort you . Only let me have some fresh air , and you shall soon see that matters are not quite so dismal as you think them ! '' `` Epimetheus , '' exclaimed Pandora , `` come what may , I am resolved to open the box ! '' `` And , as the lid seems very heavy , '' cried Epimetheus , running across the room , `` I will help you ! '' So , with one consent , the two children again lifted the lid . Out flew a sunny and smiling little personage , and hovered about the room , throwing a light wherever she went . Have you never made the sunshine dance into dark corners , by reflecting it from a bit of looking-glass ? Well , so looked the winged cheerfulness of this fairylike stranger , amid the gloom of the cottage . She flew to Epimetheus , and laid the least touch of her finger on the inflamed spot where the Trouble had stung him , and immediately the anguish of it was gone . Then she kissed Pandora on the forehead , and her hurt was cured likewise .
After performing these good offices , the bright stranger fluttered sportively over the children 's heads , and looked so sweetly at them , XXXXX they both began to think it not so very much amiss to have opened the box , since , otherwise , their cheery guest must have been kept a prisoner among those naughty imps with stings in their tails .
about across by from in of on that to within