Driven by it, she flew down the steep incline to the path which led down to the narrow valley.

She kept on running till she had reached a small wooden house, which looked down from a high bank to the roaring mountain stream.

A narrow stairway led up from the ground to the front door of the little dwelling and to the porch, where on a wide railing were some fragrant carnations.
The lively little girl now leaped up the steps, two at a time.

Soon she reached the top, and one could see that the house was familiar to her.
"Martha, Martha, come out!" she called through the open door.

"Have you noticed yet how jolly the wind is to-day ?" A small old woman with gray hair now came out to greet the child.