The Conceited Apple-Branch

It was May. The wind still blew cold but trees, bushes and grass were green and blooming. One branch of an apple tree was totally covered with flowers. Flowers were fresh and beautiful and this branch was the most beautiful branch on the tree. One day the young countess said that an apple branch was the loveliest thing one could behold, a very emblem of spring in its most charming form. The countess carefully broke off this branch and she held it in her delicate hand and sheltered it with h...