This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1867 edition. Excerpt: ... the fire, and giving it to Violet, bade her go down to the river, cut a hole in the ice with her hatchet, and rinse the lace in the cold water. I think she hoped the ice would give way, and that Violet would fall into the river and be drowned. Violet obeyed her stepmother; for though she suffered severely, she suffered in silence, and never gave way to a rebellious temper. She found the river-ice very thick, and it was with some difficulty her slender arms and soft white hands could hew a sufficiently large opening. While she was thus engaged, she heard the clatter of hoofs on the frozen river-bank, and looking round, saw that the king's splendid carriage had driven up, and that the young and handsome sovereign was intently watching her. She immediately made her obeisance, and with a grace and elegance which charmed the king. "Who art thou, maiden," said he, "and what is thy present occupation?" "I am a villager's daughter, sire," she replied, "and I am rinsing lace for my stepmother." The king was delighted with her melodious voice and beautiful countenance, no less than with the natural grace of her manners. By addressing several questions to her, he soon learned the history of her life, and felt convinced that so lovely a woman, and one endowed with so generous a soul and tender a heart, would be an ornament to his throne. "Violet," he said, "couldst thou love me?" The maiden did not answer, but a rosy blush spread over her face and bosom. "Wilt thou go with me, and become my wife and queen?" There was no happiness for her, she knew, in her own home, and she had never before seen, or dreamed of, any person so gallant, handsome, and splendid, as the young king. She...