PKOSEUPINE 127 



"Be a good little girl, and play with the 

 gentle sea-nymphs upon the shore. 



" But do riot go into the water, and do not go 

 alone into the woods." 



For a long time Proserpine played with the 

 sea-nymphs. 



They brought her beautiful shells and corals 

 from the sea. 



Then she gathered wild roses and made gar- 

 lands for them. 



It seemed to her that the flowers had never 

 been so beautiful before. 



She filled her apron with them. But there 

 was always a more beautiful flower just a step 

 farther. 



Then another step! and another! and, at 

 last, she was in the forest. 



She looked back, and saw the sea a long way 

 off. 



She felt afraid ! 



" I must run back/' she whispered to herself, 

 and turned to go. 



But there, just at her feet, was a most strange 

 and beautiful flower. 



It had bright petals and a sweet smell. 



' How lovely ! " said Proserpine, " and how 



