Stories Jolly, Stories New, Stories Strange and True

Epigraph

“You are wondering why I am here, little Herminé,” he said, as he slipped his hand confidingly into hers, and looked up at her with soft grey eyes. “You do not know that every night as the clock strikes one I have the gift of life bestowed upon me, and can descend to earth to be indeed the good angel of the fountain.

Note

“This power was given me as a reward for the faithful labours of my master, the great sculptor who, many, many, years ago, designed and wrought me from a block of purest marble, and then presented me as an offering to the town in which he was born. So faithfully had he loved and studied Nature, and so truly had he used his powers for noble ends, that his last prayer was granted him; and he died happily, knowing that I should be allowed to carry on his good deeds and loving care for others.