befriended her. This woman was an old
flax-spinner, and lived in a humble thatched cottage near the castle.
She had taken pity on Olga when the little orphan was a helpless baby,
and so kind had she always been that Olga had grown to maidenhood
without feeling the lack of father, mother, brother, or sister. In all
ways the old flax spinner had taken their places.

"Every morning Olga carried water from the spring, gathered the wild
fruits of the woods, and spread the linen on the grass to bleach. This
she did to help the old woman, for she had a good and grateful heart as
well as a beautiful face.

"One day as Olga was wandering by the spring, searching for
watercresses, the young prince of the castle rode by on his prancing
charger. A snow-white plume waved in his hat, and a shining silver bugle
hung from his shoulder, for he had been following the chase.

"He was thirsty and tired, and asked for a drink, but there was no cup
from which to dip the water from the spring. But Olga caught the drops
as they bubbled out from the spring, holding it in the hollow of her
beautiful white hands, and, reaching up to where he sat, offered him the
sparkling water. So gracefully was it done that the prince was charmed
by her lovely face and modest manner, and, baring his head, when he had
slaked his thirst he touched the white hands with his lips.

"Before he rode away he asked her name and where she lived. The next day
a courier in scarlet and gold stopped at the door of the cottage and
invited Olga to the castle. Princesses and royal ladies from all over
the realm were to be entertained there, seven days and seven nights.
Every night a grand ball was to be given, and Olga was summoned to each
of the balls. It was on account of her pleasing manner and her great
beauty that she had been bidden.

"The old flax-spinner curtsied low to the courier and promised that Olga
should be at the castle without fail.

"'But, good dame,' cried Olga when the courier had gone, 'prithee tell
me why thou didst make such a promise, when thou knowest full well this
gown of tow is all I own? Wouldst have me stand before the prince in
beggar's garb? Better to bide at home for aye than be put to shame
before such guests.'

"'Have done, my child,' the old dame said. 'Thou shalt wear a court robe
of the finest. Years have I toiled to give it thee, but that is naught.
I loved thee as my own.'

"Then the old dame went into an inner room and pricked