d over the fire.
There was a flare of red flames, the snow disappeared, but the fading
leaves which trembled on the trees were sent by a cold northeast wind in
yellow masses to the glade. Only a few flowers of autumn were visible.
At first Marouckla looked in vain for red apples. Then she espied a tree
which grew at a great height, and from the branches of this hung the
bright, red fruit. September ordered her to gather some quickly. The
girl was delighted and shook the tree. First one apple fell, then
another.

"That is enough," said September; "hurry home."

Thanking the Months she returned joyfully. Helen and the stepmother
wondered at seeing the fruit.

"Where did you gather them?" asked the stepsister.

"There are more on the mountain-top," answered Marouckla.

"Then, why did you not bring more?" said Helen angrily. "You must have
eaten them on your way back, you wicked girl."

"No, dear sister, I have not even tasted them," said Marouckla. "I shook
the tree twice. One apple fell each time. Some shepherds would not allow
me to shake it again, but told me to return home."

"Listen, mother," said Helen. "Give me my cloak. I will fetch some more
apples myself. I shall be able to find the mountain and the tree. The
shepherds may cry 'Stop!' but I will not leave go till I have shaken
down all the apples."

In spite of her mother's advice she wrapped herself in her pelisse,
put on a warm hood, and took the road to the mountain. Snow covered
everything. Helen lost herself and wandered hither and thither. After
a while she saw a light above her, and, following in its direction,
reached the mountain-top.

There was the flaming fire, the twelve blocks of stone, and the Twelve
Months. At first she was frightened and hesitated; then she came nearer
and warmed her hands. She did not ask permission, nor did she speak one
polite word.

"What hath brought thee here? What dost thou seek?" said the great
January severely.

"I am not obliged to tell you, old graybeard. What business is it of
yours?" she replied disdainfully, turning her back on the fire and going
toward the forest.

The great January frowned, and waved his wand over his head. Instantly
the sky became covered with clouds, the fire went down, snow fell in
large flakes, an icy wind howled round the mountain. Amid the fury of
the storm Helen stumbled about. The pelisse failed to warm her benumbed
limbs.

The mother kept on waiting for her. She looked fr