and so, with a most benevolent smile on his sagacious visage, all purple as it was with the cold, this very well-meaning gentleman took the snow-child by the hand and led her towards the house. she followed him, droopingly and reluctant; for all the glow and sparkle was gone out of her figure; and whereas just before she had resembled a bright, frosty, star-gemmed evening, with a crimson gleam on the cold horizon, she now looked as dull and languid as a thaw. as kind mr. lindsey led her up the steps of the door, violet and peony looked into his face, their eyes full of tears, which froze before they could run down their cheeks, and again entreated him not to bring their snow-image into the house.