It was an early Easter, sledging was only just over snow still lay in the yards and water ran in streams down the village street. Two little girls happened to meet in a lane between two houses. where the dirty water after running through the yards had formed a large puddle. One girl was very small, the other a little bigger, Their mothers had dressed them both in new frocks. The little one wore a blue frock. the other a yellow print, and both had red kerchiefs on their heads. They had come from church when they met, and first they showed each other their clothes, and then they began to play. Soon they decided to splash about in the water, and the smaller one was going to step into the puddle, shoes and all, when the elder stopped her"Don't go in so, Malasha," said she, "your mother will scold you. I will take off my shoes and stockings, and you take off yours." They did so; and then, holding up their skirts. began walking towards each other through the puddle. The water came up to Malasha's ankles. and she said: "It's deep, Akulya, I'm scared!" Come on," replied the other. "Don't be afraid. It won't get any deeper. When they got near one another, Akulya said: 8"Mind, Malasha, don't splash. Walk carefully!" 9 She had hardly said this, when Malasha pushed her foot down so hard that the water splashed right on to Akulya's frock. The frock was wet, and