The Louisa Alcott Reader

ould prick me when I was going to do wrong," said litt

, but she heard a sweet voice sin

rk, lit

ant to d

your

ok ever

have be

rough

you wil

ul o

beenv Cross, s

hing wi

naught

, litt

n you w

sy and

good it

is, and looked everywhere to see

yes are wide open, and I can't

one laughed; and the

, you c

gh I a

sten t

in you

o one

e, if

will be

will yo

you a

ient, a

fairy w

littl

e peep at a live fairy. I always said there were such people, and now I shall know how they lo

ong the flowers that stood there, and no more son

it carefully. I wonder what present will come to-ni

o play, and called for water, and plagued poor Nursey in many ways. She got safely into her little nest,

wait to hang up my clothes,

May didn't care, and felt under her pillow the minute the door was shut. A la

some candy in it," she said

er lips; then both wasp and box vanished, and May was left to cry

like that spiteful fairy who sen

knew in her own little heart that the cross words hurt Nursey as the sting did her lips, and she felt sorry. At onc

ee what nice things they were going to have to eat, though she had often been told not to go into the dining

mamma afterward," she said; and before sh

t tea. Now, a lump of sugar and a sip of cream

till she heard a step, then she ran away; and by and by, when the bell rang, came in with the rest as prim and pr

nice plummy one f

was ashamed because there was company; and people though

box, and slowly opened it, expecting something to fly at her. All she saw was a tiny black bag, that began at once to grow larger, till

ll see it when I'm asleep. I do wish I'd let those cakes and things alone,"

g was gone. No one had seen it; but she told her mam

," she said, as she skipped away, feeling as light a

o a party in the afternoon, where she was so merry she never remembered the naughty thing till she was in bed and opened the fairy box. A little chain appeared, which in a flash grew long and large, and fasten

cry, but I will--I will remember." And May said her praye

ands from forbidden things, and her feet from going wrong. Nothing spoilt this

le daughter, who has been gentl

blue eyes, and a pink ribbon

d happy dreams!" said mamma, with many kisses on

the good day that she forgot the box till she

hat?" And she poppe

play with and be pretty. Its eyes were blue, its tail like a white plume, and a sweet pink bow was on its neck. It danced all over the bed, ran up the curtains, hid under the clothes, nipped May's toes, licked her face, patted her nose

all the other things," said May, as she waked

and how surprised every one was to see just the pussy May wanted! They supposed it came as kitties often come; and May never told them it was a f

with darling Snowdrop, and r

such bright, kind eyes May was not a bit afraid of him, but loved him at once, and named him Floss, he was so soft and silky.

find next?" said Nurse, when s

ut of your wits," laughed May, dancing about with Snowdrop chasing her ba

ke you to school, and save my old legs the pain of trotting after you," said Nurse; fo

h the idea that it was a fairy, and not Cousin J

he lawn, because it was damp, and May did not mind, being busy with a nice story. So when she to

ppointed; and as if to answer, the strip

t on the damp grass. I'm so sorry; for I did want a pony, and might have had

dn't go out at all, but had to take medicine and keep by

rve a present, I was so disobedient. But I have t

re was a beautiful picture-book, full of

while I'm shut up!" she said,

es, and never complained or fretted at all, but was so much be

t a little red-silk rope, like a halter. She did not know what to do with it that night, but

. None of us can catch him, so do come and see if

ine frolic. Then she knew the halter was for him, and ran down to catch him. The minute s

stress; I will mind h

op ran to see the pretty sight. The children at school were much excited when she came trotting up, and all wanted to ride Prince. He was very gentle, and every one had a ride; but May had the best fun, for she could go every

I don't want any more presents yet; I've had my share, and I

rning told her brother to come to the river and see what she had for him. There lay a pretty green and white boat, with cushioned

urned heels over head on the grass, kissed May, and skipped int

real lilies, while the blackbirds sang in the green meadows on eith

ple, till she forgot how to be naughty, and was the sweetest little girl in the world. The

for now it is easy to be good, and I don't need to be rewarded," said May, as she fell asle

ul bracelet, shining on the table; and while she s

s the b

od lit

r on h

ht and

hines lik

goin

n you a

prick wi

l, litt

we mus

fairy-b

own happ

ke out

ifts ev

l the y

beauti

ngs like a butterfly, a gauzy dress, and a star on her forehead. She smiled, and waved her hand as she slowly rose and fluttered away into the sun

ard to enjoy the l

large