This is a collection of stories suitable for people of all ages. From the intro: "With regard to this present collection of ballads, I can tell its history in a few words. When I was a young girl many old and curious books fell into my hands and became my favourite reading (next to the Bible, and, perhaps, the Divina Commedia), as I found in them the strong faith and simple modes of thought which were what I liked and wanted. Afterwards, in my constant intercourse with the country people, and especially with old people whom I always loved, I heard a great many legends and traditions, often...

"The Hidden Servants and Other Very Old Stories" from Francesca Alexander. American illustrator, author, and translator from the Italian (1837 - 1917).