Perhaps some one had taken pity on her, and had lent her clothes because she was so good.

So she thanked Elsli and accepted her offer.

Without hesitation Elsli set to work, and it was easy to see that it was not for the first time.

In a trice she had freed Lenchen from her shell, and dressed her in a little jacket that hung on the wall.

Then she took the stiff frock upon her arm and went with the children into the kitchen.