The Rainbow Book: Tales of Fun & Fancy

nscious of the Wizard walking around them, pushing and pinching them, which somehow they never felt; and they were conscious, too, that

ouched the children to wake them, a sensation of cold spread over his hands which became rapidly

e resting children, and, full of pity, she gazed down at them. Then they knew they were in her care, and they kne

the Wizard harshly. "How dare yo

d the Bird-Fairy in tones sweet and pleading. "They have realised how much their happy h

to me? Begone while I let you! I'

nd mercy for onc

member my little Zoological Collecti

boast o

experiments have not stood still since t

not be m

was all the rep

ly, "that our Fairy Enchantments

ssle between us?" inqui

bles greater than his. Others have returned to you through your craft, but this little couple you were forced to go and meet. You sought to entrap the boy as a Crab-it was I who restored the gem and saved him, as you may

iscordant laughter w

sed a moment later there would have been no time to frustrate me. My science would have been powerful enough to change you into a mere Bird. My Collection would have been the more

sed a moment,

so ready to help the children, and to dare attempt to triump

se dear children if you can. You find it

n of pain, had leapt ba

a green fluid, a few drops of which he poured into his palms, then smiled. "

uder cry of pain from him an

ng himself he muttered: "You've got them well under your wing. So it must be with you I have

a spring, and instantly the pretty trio became enveloped in a halo of rainbow. The next

encircled by the rainbow ray. She stood there motionless like

a groan of pain

reme and everlasting. She would exist no more.

g and low, distant rumbling arrested the Wizard's attention. He gasped and s

ound, and were charmed to find that as they did so each poor creature changed to girl or boy and vanished from its prison, whilst the ground trembled and the rumbling became louder and louder, as though some unseen power was helping in the rescue. So quickly did they run round on their task that at

denly bereft of her wings and covering of feathers, and now stood before them as a lovely Princess, in draperies of silver tissue, an

the ground next to hi

thunder-clap. They looked back. N

hand and running off with him; "there's no

hed home, ran indoors, and got upstairs just before the big drops turned

r mother in her kind, cheery voice. "Com

d to make themselves tidy. When they entered the parlour, where the s

u've escaped

o children sat up very late that night-and they told their mother such an extraordinary story that she wondered how e

as conclusive evidence of the fight. But their mother on

so glad to be at home." Sh

FATHER AND HIS

r. He was not surprised; in fact, he had foreseen it as he had foreseen many other events. And h

sy in different parts of the house; and it never occurred to him to ring

o say to you," remarke

arly had not wished to be disturbed in their work. They thought that their father was going

, my end

they told him "it was only his fuss." That he was "only a hundred, and didn't look as if he

ld man. "Let me tell you my last wishes a

was their duty to listen to him, and he insisted upon having last wishes as he had read that oth

est, who was ambitious and already

most summit of the world, and when you have

varicious and also getting o

a voice that comes from no living throat, and

was romantic, being better looking and naturally you

eyes, search the atmosphere till at your bidding it showers down burning stars; t

thers murmured un

He's certainl

d not yet

have shown you the ways you should go. Then, and only th

a few years later, after a sharp attack of senile decay,

t wishes of a few years ago, and decided to ponder over them, give them the benefit of their doubt, and see if anything

them until he came to the uncomfortable conclusion that he would certainly risk death by sea

and trace, until at night he gave up in despair. So he decided

w hope. Yet, search as he would, he could find no spot where the atmosphere changed into stars at his bid

ud and long at having been sent on fairy-tale errands in a world where no clever talking animals r

rst-born

many years of kindness, as they do successfully in fairy stories, h

second-b

thou help me in my distress?' ten to one I would ge

auteous Princess, surely would he stop and, with a keen sense of the fitness of things, he would not trifle with p

loud in the splenetic bitt

a council, and they confessed that they had idled so long because they were haunted by the rosy promise thei

he rest about that time had been wet) they concluded that as they

brains, or test-tubes, or electric wire, yet just as certainly did they lack money; and, but

he furthest summit of the world, for he had invented a machine whi

no living throat and yet could see its traces, for he had invented an automato

wn, for he had invented a kite fashioned on a wonderful wire, which went through the air and drew forth electric sparks. An

steeped in his old-fangled lore, never could have foreseen our triumphs. He never could have guessed how we should solve his

er higher and higher as for weeks and months he soared on, exhilarated beyond all imagination. At last he came to the furthermost summit of which his dear father had spoken so solemnly. Over it sailed the son as easily as a bird. When

. Who can truly say that I

ny of it, except just a little for coffers to keep it in. He laughed aloud in anticipation. Arrived at his journey's end, he unpacked his treasure and set it working, and was forthwith lodged in prison-for the city turned out to be as narrow-minded as it was great, and it assured him that he must be a wizard. He assured it he wasn't, and pr

he knew of, where dwelt a Princess good, beautiful, and unmarried-a combination of charms of marked rarity. So joyous and merry was he, that the squirrels squeaked and scurried away

at promenaded in front of her, very bored and weary at the continuous routine. But she never seemed

stars, and blame the skies for being selfish and not sparing her a few when they knew (for she had often told them) that she wished to

open casement, bemoaning the selfishness of the skies, and

Her attendants came tumbling in to her

thout?" sh

brand new suitor had arrived at that unusual hour, and would she snub him at once or tarry til

t. She could scarcely believe her senses, for there, in her garden, stars were actually falling dow

e. He was so intoxicated with delight that afterwards he could never quite tell how it all came about. As in a haze, he remembered the Princess greeting him as the one long

to take the risk. Whereupon she turned into a fury in her pretty illogicality, and exclaiming that he must be the wrong man after all, she flun

e, or with life as a whole, he enlisted and b

herman who happened to be passing by as usual-booked his passage home, and found on his arrival that the

his automaton and trudged home, arriving just in time to join his brother in being order

wain was deposited amongst them, having b

nd recounted each to the others their adventures and their experiences. It was nightfall before they had done, and

heir disappointments were over, and they were fully Content that they should be so. The villagers, once more open-mouthed in their gaping, and open-minded too, differed from the inhabitants of th

an old maid, and still kept on turning up her nose at elder

ather was ri

urmounted everything, i

ucceeded in having his w

romantically as the workhouse rules all

TLE PIC

r stocking this year. It was hung up where he would be sure to see it, and upon the same chair before the fir

nna ought to have been asleep hours ago. Perhaps she would have been, only there were so many thing

led and winked like that because they liked it or because she liked it. Then there was the moon, which was looking straight at her in its own

ing at her companion picture-a Harlequin who stood on his toes with feet crossed, and his arms fo

manifestly made by the little smiling girl who stood in the act of passing over the bridge that spanned the moat. She appeared to be the same age as Minna, about six years old,

could be going so gaily for hers. And now Minna wondered that once more as she glanced at her favourite picture, upon which the m

tle Pic

nna didn't think it was the wardrobe this time-she thought Harlequin had done it. For it seemed to her as though he had suddenly stretched forth his arm a

ow-why, now it was night! The moon was lighting up the old moated house, and the stars were twinkling over its heavy

in bed behind one of those little dormer wi

ught to be. She herself never went for a morning walk in the mid

snow, which had begun gently to fall again-not the little girl in red-but dear old Santa Claus himself, covered up in fur and scarlet, trudging towards the house with tempting-looking parcels slung about him! Now he fixed a ladder against the thick, frost-laden ivy which covered the front of the old house, and h

was Santa Claus's lovely privilege to come down the chimney, but she had never actually known him to d

d it very

ut which the soft snow-flakes hovered and fluttered. She had more than ever to wonder about now. She longe

been meant for sweet Columbine); and just as surely Minna saw his arm stretch out and heard the rap of his staff upon the p

face of the child who was sleeping there in the old wooden bedstead, and woke her up. The first thing the little Picture Girl did was to look with content into her stocking. It was very fat. And then, with a l

thing

he gave that knowing look, and did as she asked. A rap, and once more she saw

n a chimney. In a moment he reappeared with a doll and a fat-looking stocking, all so quickly that, before Minna

gerly. Harlequin's staf

Soon he looked up and nodded encouragingly at his little daughter, who very seriously was making his tea. She nod

wriggling inside it. Close behind there came a tiny crippled girl, who moved painfully by the aid of a crutch to the boy's side, and laid a trembling hand on his arm. The brother and sister were much like one ano

ll's frock, which tallied with the little sweep's grimy paw, and then jerked his head towards the crippled child in whose possession he had found them. Then the stout b

h kindness in her sweet eyes, that he let go his grip of the collar. Then she put the presents into the boy's han

ed a sto

s-boxed the beadle, who smiled fatly and went his way. Then, for a moment or two, the picture-father's uplifted finger wagged a warning at the boy, who hung his head: but Minna could see that it was not so very terrible, because, if the boy had not confessed his fault, how would the beadle have known in

d so miserable were sent away happy at the bright moment which had entered into their dark lives, whilst the little Picture Girl, who for the second time

p his little daughter in his arms and kissed her, and, putting his hand into his pocket, drew from his purse a

ore. She must have

s parcels. Dear, kind old Santa Claus, who saves up all the year to be the loving, generous friend to little children at Christmas-time. Minna smiled again as the thought flashed through he

would say about it. She had to bustle too, for the bell would v

otten me!" were her first w

she wave

! What a forgetful old Santa Claus. I'm afraid he's getting past his work. Perhaps," he said, turn

m that), "it wasn't the snow. I kno

e gave all the toys away till there were none left, and t

r was joking as usual, and th

d. "In fact, it occurred to me that he might. He's getting short-sigh

ng up! One looked full, the other looked empty. She found in the f

n she went to the empty one, which wasn't empty, be

s again, and then hugged once more to make it all right. All that stirring time he was qu

Day. That night she slept soundly. The following day she we

had happened there. And as she gazed at the little girl in red, who was going out so joyously for her morning walk, it occurred to

en who suffer and are poor," she muttered, "like-like the children in the hospital." And slowly, as she thought it out, she made up her mind that the do

er muff from its box. She paused at the door, and glanced at the little Picture Girl, who was smiling back at her. "A

ING BEAUT

e point of the spindle, and f

e, the briar rose-climbed round odd niches and corners, as if all were curious to see the lovely maiden under the Fairy Spell. But the years went by and none had reach

stopped in their strutting and had fallen asleep; even the singing-birds in the trees had ceased their trilling and hidden their little heads under their wings. But the Princess did not tarry. S

ff was moored; lifting her silken robe, she stepped into it, unfastened the cord, and, reclining on the embroidered cushions, she closed her eyes with a happy sigh. Away drifted the bark with its lovely burden. The sunlight turned to twilight with lurid gleams, and pale gr

of her craft, which had run aground on the sands just where the tiny

easure ground. Lights hung festooned in the great trees, and in an open space peasants in their picturesque costumes were dancing, and laughing as they stepped. The Princess, from behind a tree, g

who were not dancing. The Princess would have fled, but he was already close; and although his dress betokened origin as humble as t

which he was about to start, to find his unknown betrothed, who awaited him in a distant land, she wept. Her sweet tears fell upon his hand, which he raised to his lips and reverently kissed them there, and she smiled on hi

ld be awakened b

uld come only through the kiss of some king's son who could claim her for his wife. Then she pondered no more, for she saw the traveller now, f

ied out in her sleep. Then the rays of the noonday sun, redoubling their forceful heat, shone forth with overpowering en

she knew, too, how dear he was to her. And she went on dreaming-dreamin

ted his invita

h toiled his weary course. But the mountain was so slippery that his efforts were of no avail. As he gazed round she could see the

he looked the mountain dissolved into water under the warmth of her love. She saw that he was safe, trudging over the carpe

and wandered on and on through a dense forest, where not

an organ fell upon her ear, and she saw a great temple before her. She stood at the open door. Within, hundreds of candles lighted the vast grey dome. And far beyond, in a haze of mystery, stood the man she loved, and by his side his bride, all ve

sweet. The Sleeping Beauty came slowly back to consciousness; she awoke, and before her was a tall knight in silver armou

rince, the yout

hey sat close clasped, and as the bells pealed forth, told the news to the ivy, which told it to the j

rince, the you

KEEPER'S

y, and that you bandaged its leg as she showed you. Make haste, lass, if you

'll run. It's much

ure, and then, as his old mother was standing in the draughty porch awaiti

e brightness, at the beautiful pictures and decorations where, ever since she had known the Grange, all had been damp and decay. She had never seen anything like this before, and she was enjoying the novelt

-morrow's Christmas Day?" and, without waiting for a reply, she babbled on: "I'm going to have such boo'ful things-a dolly that send

d Nancy, dazzled at suc

capering with delight and revea

miling through her diffidence-which

aus always brings me just w

laus? Is it yo

laus-a gen'lman. I've not seen him

him what you want?" She wa

ittle

tified. What a different

ou going to get?

ook out for poachers-so I have useful presents, I don't have toys. Granny gave me this war

s," said Iris, surprised. "Poor little g

any. Cousin Janey has a skipping-rope and a

before the child even knew she was there. Then she received the message, gave the little messenger a slice of cake, and in a moment Nancy was leisurely munching the fee as she trudged her way back on the gr

had the intrepid fearlessness of her father, whose companion on his rounds she had been, when no danger was thought to be afoot, ever since she was old enough to ride pickaback. It came quite natural to her to help him, and though the

cried Nancy.

with the dead bird he had just picked up in his hand. A limp bag was slung over his shoul

he cowering animal a gentle kick as a rem

t hand over

Ah! it's you, is it? I know you, Tom Groll

Come, that ain't 'ardly fair, is it? (Will yer lie down, Muffins?) Now look 'ere. If I give yer the b

as the sound of a carriage was heard close by, the bargain was hastily concluded; the ph

laughed, remarking that he wouldn't press her, but could make a pretty shrewd guess if he chose. However, she was worth her weight in gold, he said, and he patted her on the head for a

going to receive at Christmas, because she wanted them; and that a gentleman staying at the house called Mr. Santa Claus

he wonderful toys; and the thoughts were just beginning to get confused with a greatly

ight she had just seen Tom Grollins pass by-this time with a full

ected, on hearing the clock strike nine: "he's in the forest, and can't be far." And she lay back, relieved at the thought that her father had suspiciously refused the invitation of a shabby, gaitered, and very doubtful sport

althily opened the kitchen door so as not to disturb the old lady, and hastened out into the night. Curiously enoug

on overtook him-sooner than she expected, for dark clouds ove

breathless and indignant: "how

ompanion in a deep, manly voice, in w

n't sound like Tom Grollins's whiny treble, but th

torted firmly. "Now, w

a se

Dad. And," she added severely, "you've just got to g

be highway robbery, with threats?" answered

s too dark for her to see him, as she ha

, then?" she

us," came

epeated the chil

olly-decked scarlet cap, and his long, loose, red coat revealed here and there glimpses of scarlet plush beneath. Instead of rabbits and pheasants, he was laden with the newest of toys; and as to Muffins, h

re you

nta Claus-himself!" he repe

on," stammered Nan

-humouredly. "Now shall I see you

ords had dropped out of her mout

kindly, "Well, come along, dear. You're a good, brave little girl. But you must know I've never made such an exception before. However, i

her by the hand, and the quaint pair proceeded along the mysterious-looking forest until they came to the part Nancy loved best. There

ation of some important matter. Nancy felt something was go

as come!" he procla

h candles, blue or green, yellow or red, each burning with the same coloured light. And from the diamond-froste

ture at the sight. "Oh, Santa Cl

ntil she had gazed enough. Now, indeed, she realised

she knew Santa Claus was proceeding on his rounds to pay visits to all the sleeping children

ady was smiling in anticipation in her sleep; and the "dolly, pamberlator, watch, and titten with real scratches" (immovably asleep) were all pro

ncy, who had been wondering all

" he whis

imn

Claus

er seen the inside of a chimney in her life; but she forgot to pu

le little boy lay asleep in

placed next to his flowering possession. "How white in comparison with the blossom the suffering, pinched little face looks on th

he way were sounds of brigh

h. "However, we'll go and see; it's really high time for all youngsters to be in bed." I

h voices were heard shouting: "Santa C

ellers to disappear before the lights were tu

old and portly gentleman), and he burst out into a loud laugh, and only recovered from it as they entered a long room full of small beds. It

upant of the hospital ward-for such it was-placing here a toy horse of skin and harness with a long wavy

ly tied round the clasped hands of a little girl who was convalescent, and was going to leave, as Santa Claus explained; and once

the look of pain from a little suffering face into a s

anta Claus a good hug-only she couldn't reach half-way round-while he tenderly wiped those tears on his big

ere dancing round three of those tiny decorated Christmas-trees Nancy had seen that eve, and their parents, looking on happily, echoed their exclamations of joy. She was surprise

itals. I've brought you home because you must be very tired, little woman. I'm terribly busy to-night-half afraid I shan't get it ove

ers that Christmas Eve; and as he pressed her hand he added, with

eyes she seemed to see a little fairy-land all to herself. Grouped about her bed were a skipping-rope, a workbox-both handsomer than Janey's-and a little box besides. She couldn

mas card attached, from the new mistress of the Grange. What was puzzling was that on a chair close by hung three pairs of he

rning prayers, she sat down at the table, where, with elbows outspread and her

nk you for the lovely time I had going about with you last night. I shall never forget it. Ple

00 kisses (x

teful lit

y Rog

dressed it to h

wore a pretty new frock. Then she told them that as she had hurried back from the post-box, so as not to be late for breakfast, she had

ter with conviction, "it isn't

nquired her father. "It's li

he same mistake m

slippery rascal turned out to be a mistake!" exclaimed the gamekeeper, as he set

t ni

it was, dearie?" ask

Claus!" As they smiled still, she ran and f

f the poacher Tom Grollins for ever so long, and every one Nancy asked seemed to know a

d his presents she

FIFTH O

RN

an cautiously lumbered along, or blundered on to the pavement. The nursery fire did its best to look cheerful: the lights were all on too, showing up the bright pictures on the walls and the bright faces of the three childre

hold of a bunch of lilies tied up with ribbon that was on the side table, an

kept as a holiday, and the children were waiting

st be fifty!"

teen," said thei

nviction, accompanied by

ied the boys with a laugh; but sh

get there first. Molly arrived a bad third, but it was she who was first for him, for he went towards her and picked he

ur chin is full

tted on the head, and thanked, before Molly parted with

shaking her by the hand, and, laughing still, he put her

eeding, so the three stood still, deeply absorbed as they watched the perf

t complain." He put down the towel, took her up

d you are," she asked,

I do that? It

a moment's hesitation he smilingl

ock of years!"

moured Alec. "I'm

I am!" ass

with importance. "May I tell?" Her father no

d he was that last

"and the year before that-I remember

in to me." She was having her morning tea, so the young people

O

Molly, as she toddled awa

k. "It's going to be f

birthday and Guy Fawkes' Day made a grand doub

utside-now that the fog had lifted-the busy hum could be heard of e

s. "Look here, Frank!" he continued in growing excitement. "Here, under the Births-marked with red pencil-'Guy Thompson!' That's Fat

ed Molly, capering a

shut up. Alec, where did you find

out-it would be jolly to find out all by ourselves, if this really can be true. I say, I know who'd tell us. I've heard all about

take us anywhere,

inquired Fra

hen we've got to be in the play-room, let's go in a cab to Somerset House, and just g

ank counted up t

. Mollikins, what have

sixpe

us-that is, if you can put on your own hat. I ca

oys were well muffled up, and Molly had her hat on with the back to the front. The three were in high spirits once they were off, and they realised the full importance of such an adventure. In Alec's hand was the sheet of newspaper in

r smartly. On the way there they behaved much better than they usually did when they drove o

Somerset House, and were starting to cross the quadrangle, when they saw the Beadle in his fine uniform (who

spokesman whenever they went shopping, and he was leader and spokesman to-day. Frank never interf

the gentleman, loo

n," repl

we may have several Thompsons in

son," said Alec, showi

, must be the Duke's butler). "But have you got th

ear," said Alec. "Can'

some coins. "But I'm afraid you'll have to pay a shilling. The King wants one." They paid their shilling for the King; watch

ifth of November: year's al

nty-one?" queried b

one foot in supp

kindly clerk, handing back th

ied Alec. "

e. They had not considered the matter in that light at all. Their faces fell, and they felt such a wish they had never come that without a word of explanation they turned and fled. They were

Alec, when th

happen to be?" asked t

s in sight of her own nursery windows that she was comforted, and smiled once more. Without any inquiry, all their re

ance unobserved, and had just got their

I

readiness, for the great annual frolic with Father, they didn't tumble in as was

up to him. She wouldn't be hushed down by the boys. Sh

of presents when one is twenty-one! But you two young rascals evidently th

never grow

ee it, Mol

e the Times, bo

re." Alec noticed the glance which his parents exchanged,

s this afternoon t

orrobora

" chimed

but couldn't, and could scarcely speak for laughing, though they extorted a pr

easoned their father, "must be tr

s Guy Thompson was born in Cambridge Square! I never n

twenty-one-and the rest-you never asked me how many more. Come along, boys, now for our cushion-fight! But first of all,

he arm-chair with a funny long nose spoiling his jolly face. And afterwards they all danced whilst their moth

grand catharine-wheel was seen whizzing round in a blaze of dripping fire. Then such a glorious shoot of rockets arose! Whis

e three children, gaz

as splendour followed splendour, and the sky was po

HRISTMAS

IL

houghtfully into the fire. She was, however, not quite alone, for her tiny Yorkshire terrier sprang on her lap, a

I'm in trouble again. Somehow, I'm always in trouble-I've spoilt my velvet frock washing your feet-and you didn't want them washed, did you

o mischief sometimes, and it wouldn't always be me." Dot p

ried in being naughty.' Don't snore, Honoura

and Goodwill which was in the air. "I've tried things before," she muttered; "bu

yes, but they flowed down on to a smile, as she thought of some one who always managed to do kind deeds and who might help her. Father Christmas! Eva thought of asking no less a person than Father Christmas himself to advise her. But how to find him and get a nice quiet chat with

anage to remain awake so as to see Father Christmas when he came, and then how she could coax

alls that were over from last year's Christmas tree, Eva picked up a scrap of printed paper, which had come o

istmas send

s mansion b

live on l

hristmas Da

hem to pas

o honour Ch

some kind of invitation!" and she gave Dot such a squeeze of delight that th

ing. "Of course! How simple, after all!" she concluded. "He lives at some moated house, and I must go

arge, old-fashioned hall, which was overheated as usual, by the hot-air pipes, for the huge chimney-place

e took her long, fair hair, and made it into a loose plait in order to keep it fro

te tiles. She toiled up, and up, and could see blue sky and fleeting white clouds above. After a time she stopped to rest in a little recess in the ch

ther Christmas to mount-and down that she went, looking below all the time so as not to make a false step. It was a very, very long ladder indeed, and Eva began to think she would have to go on steppi

RLI

her and she followed them. They flew along a side path, and Eva ran after them-ran till she arrived eager and breathless at a wooden bridge, and found that she was in a park; that above her was the dark vault of heaven decked out in all its

ery, very

ocker resounded for a while musically, like a peal of bells; when they ceased, the door opened, and a very ancient man confronted her. He

mas at home, plea

want to see him? Really? But you will be as

it," rep

on was attracted by catching sight of what she thought was her own reflection in the large mirror against the wall-it was a little girl who came in at the same time, and was of exactly her own height. As she looked closer she saw

, thinking or dozing. Eva advanced with soft steps. She was full of eagerness and excitement, for she recognised the white-bearded, handsome old face at once from the many coloured por

e last year, Eva!" and he looked at her with beaming eyes. "I suppose you know you're trespassing? and the penalty is forty crackers or a kiss!" And he

s me this honou

s," spoke up Eva quite boldly.

u know you're

ed briskly, "but I was only resting a little afte

labo

r through, and have only just got them finished in time. I love maki

invitation,

beard thoughtfully for a moment and remain

were everywhere about-hanging from the ceiling, lying about on the tables and sofas, standing as ornaments on the

on whatever to the sullen little girl in the corner, he asked Eva if she would like to see around hi

" he added. "I'm going to leave all thes

porters were hurrying about letting down toys from the loft, packing them, labelling them to places far and wide; loading

where wanted, yet Eva was thinking his age must at least be two hundred, when Father Christmas said kindly: "My dear, t

d I didn't know he was your

know that my full nam

s," she exclaim

or toys and Father Christmas's visiting cards were printed. These cards were all different in desig

linger, and led the way up a spiral staircase in order to enable Eva to have a peep into the toy-loft, where men were letting the toys down into the busy yard below. How she would have loved to sta

must excuse me for a short time, a

to be going?" s

rlet fur-lined cloak and hood with wide swansdown trimming, which had been put away in lavender, chose his thickes

little visitor downstairs, the str

name?" asked

me the su

hat's m

w you through and through-goo

story-teller,"

n to tell the truth. Saves a lot of trouble. Bes

d once thought that too, but only for a moment; and she was ashamed of it now. She was ruffled and uncomfortable at the proximity of this horrid girl, who n

n't!" cried Eva. "It

Father Christ

ll. I shall

say it was

l! You dreadful

ter telling stories and stealing,

cried Eva, in horror and disgust as she saw her approach the coveted treasure.

and I'm goin

Eva, running after her; and she seized her

fing laugh the girl shook herself free, sprang on a s

gle they fell together on the floor. There was a crash of broken glass, and through th

and looked round, the horrid little girl had disappeared. The next

," he said; "w

ruefully, as she looked at the glass on the fl

er Christmas took his seat and beckoned to Eva. To her joy he lifted her on to his lap and wrapped his great coat about her. Father Time, who was on the box, shook the reins, and the two reindeer, impatient to be off,

NLI

soft furs, on his rounds. "Why do you take some toys yours

or my special favourites. You're on my list, my dear, you know." Eva's heart was full of tende

hisper s

head-and s

er Christmas replied, but he

" continued Eva; "I've got five s

about that

something like giving a cot to a hospital, or a free library, or something? That's what I really came to ask you about, only I for

ng it. It is this: You need not give things. You needn't try to be good. Try only not to be troublesome. If you are sweet, and gentle, and kind, you give happiness-not only do you give it, but you can then only find happiness yoursel

deer ... spe

could tell her who the other little girl was, and all about her, when she felt her arms were being dise

nd succulent the event proved to be. Not long after, when it was fast asleep in its basket, Eva was sitting up in bed waiting anxiously to receive t

up, and clutching tightly at a rapidly retreating figure, she laughed aloud to find she had suc

d you," he sai

time she had spent with him, and thanked him nicely. "What a drea

e way to bad feelings. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, my dear!"

YL

iled high on the sill. And over the hushed landscape from the far distance the Christmas be

er Christmas seemed ill at ease when he was her visitor-perhaps it was because he was in a hurry. Somehow he was different from the stout, merry-faced

t was all dark and black, and as uninviting as any ordinary dirty old chimney; so that it w

THDAY

hat age, she could no more help having a fifth birthday than she could imagine having it without a party. At present she was unconscious of all the delights

's cot-presents from every one in the house: Hilda's box of beads bought with her own money; a long-promised story-book resplendent in bright blue and brilliant in gold; some new furniture for the doll's house; and a something that glitt

s seemed such a long way off-such a very long time to wait! Into her dark eyes there came a strange look of envy and longing, and her ha

to the elder girl's cheeks; but hearing nothing further, Hilda jumped into bed and pushed the cracker under her own pillow. The crackling of the paper woke Maisie, who sat up, and in the middle of a big yawn espied the table, and remembered the

ing; so much so, that do what she would, Hilda could obtain no opportunity of being alone so that she might satisfy her burning curiosity as to what was inside the crack

had popped the sweet into her mouth and now would as quickly have popped it out again, only it was too late, as she had already swallowed the horrid thing, which was filled with a liquid that tasted of bad scent. Making a wry face, she rolled up the offending motto into a tiny ball and threw it into the empty grate. Still, it was soothing to find in the c

e to throw the useless "cracking thing" out of the open window, and to hide the rest of the cracker in the first thing at hand (which

t. "It's booful!" But Hilda still tasted that nauseous liqueur f

y it didn't join together; she had torn it in her hurry. She stamped her foot with vexation, and was wondering if she could stick the two ends together when that tires

l's house? Look at my new shoe!"

s over the new shoe, and f

o no avail, for Maisie, moving towards it, said they must see the new treasure there. With difficulty and something like a scuffle Hilda, grown desperate, prevented her from opening it, and managed to do so herself, quickly stuffing the bunch of paper into her pocket without bei

ot happy, for never before had she done anything underhand. In fact she always tried to be an example for her young sister, and she already regretted having given way to the moment

r-who had been gazing long at Hilda-with heroic resolution detached himself from his kind, and entered the rival camp, where he was welcomed with pleasure and interest. He was a young Highlander, with sandy hair and many freckles, but his attraction

boys were sure they didn't-all except the Scotch boy, who had constituted himself Hilda's devoted partner, and was enjoying it immensely. The polka finished, these two sat chatting merrily at the window, when all at once Hilda became silent. Sh

od things set forth so temptingly in the dining-room: custards, jellies, and all those concoctions beloved of the youthful interior. But the chief interest centred in Maisie's gorgeous c

and who was much concerned when he found that she had no appetite,

s in her cracker, and Maisie replied, as she looked up from her struggles, "What cracker?" but then, in her

there was Mr. Punch and his com

, as he bobbed about aimlessly, in his anxiety to hit the

y party came to an end, and "Good-byes" were said with regret. That night cots and beds were not despised, nor did they prove unwelcome for once, for little tired heads were rested gratefully on coo

he stormy waters, were grinning crocodiles wearing broken crowns made of pink coral and green fluttering paper. She crouched low and tried to hide, for she knew that if the horrid creatures foun

nd sobbing, she woke to find that it was quite dark, that the moon was shi

cover off her bread and milk bowl, Maisie suddenly looked in it and exclaimed: "Oh, how pretty." But Hilda turned very red, and she hung her head ashamed. For in the bowl there was no bread and milk-nothing but a crumpled red

k-cracker. I-I took it from your table. Do

k the proofs of wrong-doing away, whilst Hilda felt Maisie's ar

ntance her faul

attached with a blue ribbon on the outside. And then Hilda ran and whispered eagerly in her mother's ear, who looked very pleased and kissed h

LE S

happy or serene as up in their lofty sphere. And she knew, too, that he would go his own way as youth always does; and she felt sorry, for she did not like to part wit

wever, had business to attend to in spite of its being a holiday, and old Joshua was one of these. He was known as "old" Joshua because his hair had turned prematurely white-as white as the rime which had gathered on his shabby

, as a neighbouring clock beg

extra good time, as it was the first night of the new pantomime. And

something that was lying straight in his path. Only when he stooped down did he discover that on the pavement lay

t who can help me." He looked anxiously around-no one was in sight; so he hurriedly went in search of a policeman. When he had succeed

re!" commanded

Then the policeman tenderly lifted the helpless little creature into it, and the driver wrapped his rug around it. "To the 'orspital!" directed the police

Stella awaiting him with sparkling eye

p a finger in mock gravity; then she clap

n we turn the corner more than you can help, or old Daddy Joshua and his fiddle might be a little out of tune!" And, laughing as they went, they climbed right up to the top back row of the vast empty theatre. There a smiling attendant welcomed her as quit

ry available seat was quickly occupied. The other parts of the house were filling rapidly in more dignified style, and soon every place was tenanted

zed with rapture at the lovely scene that was peopled with fairies, and goblins, and wonderful beings, disporting themse

. The woman merely turned to her husband, smiled, and held her peace; while Stella threw back her head and shook with laughter, as the Clown tickled Pantaloon with a poker that looked extremely red hot

next landing, who had promised to take her to her father at the stage door. Stella was walking down carefully step by step, when two young men came

but Father Christmas himself felt the glow of jollity as he busily handed the toys he carried to his two attendant clowns. These nimble, funny fellows ran from him to the cots, backwards and forwards, giving such beautiful toys, and saying su

ark eyes that he turned pathetically around. He had not spoken at all. Earlier in the evening he had shivered much, and groaned. Now he lay peacefully smiling, for his

animals lay hugged tightly in the arms of drowsy owners, a little girl in a swoon from an accident was carried into t

aid Stella, sta

king care of you until you are fetched home. You'll soon be

s with their white caps and aprons, and at the sleeping children clutching their toys. In the cot next to hers, however, the little fair-haired boy looked awake. His eyes in their aimless wandering were now fixed on the high windo

g him with so much inte

said Nurse Evelyn. "He was a

n the pillow towards him

you b

orrow, dear," adv

rm and took his tiny palm in hers; then he turned his face towards her and smiled, contentedly and

elf, and the boy arose looking gloriously beautiful; his eyes were shining, and he could see the bright light, and he began clim

er little companion. She turned over and looked with surprise. The cot in

he gone?" s

to her side.

om the em

nd grave. "He has gone w

m?" asked Stella, with a c

children

om the stars. Why, her own name meant a star. And, of course, she als

a hushed voice, "has

tly. "Now, don't think of him any mor

o mysterious and serene with its millions of stars, she would wonder and ponder. And there was always one particular little star that she loved best, and when she looked upon it a sweetness would steal into he

led him Little Starry-and

NACCOUNTAB

RT

t of his, for he was a boy who loved beautiful scenery, and from there he could get a glimpse of Lan

ioned sort, with a tail of his own making, and as it soared away higher and higher, with the tail

t, and apparently for no reason at all, the pull on his arm suddenly relaxed, and the kite all at once dropped quickly to earth, tail first. Cedric darted forward to where it lay, some distance ahead. When he reached

entangled in the tail, something hard. He could see it glistening t

it up, and carefully examined the key. There was no mark on it-it wouldn't even whistle when he tried it. "Some one must have lost it, I suppose," he went on, and concluded: "Well, it's no use to me!" and he threw it away. Seating h

le with it, but instinctive

ere this key

ined with gold. He tried the key he held. It fitted! A turn, the heavy door was unlocked, and he put the key in

on abdicating. In fact, he was tired of power, and glad of the excuse to resign. In spite of the prayers and entreaties of those who desired him to remain in office he returned to the T

de King of Fairyland by virtue of its possession; and it was ordained that it could only be

ies waxed furious in their patriotic eagerness to get their own way. But while blows were exchanged and relations were otherwise strained, and the Monarchists, generally speaking, were highly annoyed, and the Republicans were e

y was to be taken to the mountain top and flung far away outside the boundaries of Fai

the succession, and began with much pomp and circumstance the ceremony of investing her with the Golden Key. They had proceeded up to a certain point when, to their horror a

hatched an

eld a rippling lake of golden water, on the borders of which stood a palace made of gems gathered from the circling mountains which stood as sentinels around the valley. Down these m

ing from the tiny flower-decked craft, forming processions, hurrying in and out of the palace-presenting to Cedric

tched a long distance on either side of the approach to the shimm

ic, King of

erment. "Am I King of Fairyland? You're only making

as got the key?" remarked a fun

he answer to his question, but vastly surprised, and a

ther you had it than I; experience has taught me that much. Good morning, young gentleman; may it b

this grandeur, the new King of Fairyland was borne swiftly through the serried ranks of his bowing subjects to the doors of his magnificent palace. Soldiers presented arms, a national air

young Majesty

RT

as being about his size, from the dome of the Crown Palace. Grouped near him were the aristocracy of Fairyland-prominent among the

amberlain, rose and bowed his delighted acknowledgments, while the crowds outside cheered for all they were worth. He kept standing,

land, and was never likely to be stolen again. They had all put their heads together how to make Cedric part with it of his own free will, according to law, and they knew they had to accomplish their end by their wits, as no other means held good. It was their desire

n't etiquette, and she smiled to herself as she swept past with her maids of honour. She was followed by her dark friend, who kissed Cedric's hand. Her fa

them never dream of coming to our country, that others often do, but they never come rea

vously, and replied that "it fe

as she withdrew, and

e Golden Key, as you

etermined, nevertheless, to follow advice so fatefully given, but he couldn't help pondering over it; and hi

rafts and livelihoods too. When they arrived at the building it was announced that the key which was to have been presented to him was not forthcoming. Consternation, real or assumed-(Cedric didn't believe in it)-followed on the strang

sensation. Arguments and persuasion were in vain, but at last he yielded to the entreaties of those needy fairies who badly wanted their institution. Himself he inserted the key, which was found to fit

iryland he should do next. There was silence-a breathless interval-

they were bound by their constitution to obey their monarch. In a few moments the Golden Key was again safe i

d it might be his Majesty's pleasure to receive some famous members of Animal Fairyland who were anxious to render homage. Cedric replied royally with a dignified nod, and followed the creature as it led the way to a clearing in a forest close by. Here, explained t

ous beanstalk grown for the original Jack Ki

mal Fairyland. Wonderfully tactful for his age, Cedric told the Fox that

od, Mr. Fox, to

pleasing reminiscence gave unbounded satisfaction to

so considered prodigiously appropriate, and was greeted with cordial appreciation. His quick recognition, too, of the T

ot rid of those ducks,

bout that? It's a chapter of my early

ing!" replied Cedric, persuaded that the

nish its sentences. Then in a quieter, but still in an angry, voice, it continued: "To think of it! Why, I plumed myself on its having been

over!" cried Ce

deputation has

nly presenting himself and going down

here a number of peacocks stood on guar

nce?" asked the

swered Cedric, fum

gnome was looking afraid that the king might not fal

Can't I order

can only be let in by p

said Cedric, drawing himself up. He was not unreasonable, h

sty can't go against

at the undignified position of a monarch unable to produce the price o

y irregular and excess

ge by the length of the words; b

t I call it mean that I, of all peo

place select-it's the same for all. In the case of royalty

ms, had joined hands and were dancing round joyously, raising tiny clouds of yellow dust, which enveloped them as with a golden mist. As he came in sight they burst into song, and ma

g his hands with delight, for the l

d kneeling, begged his Majes

asked Cedric

came the reply of the fairie

" said

rettiest of the

atched it back again and replaced it in his pocket, and coming to himself found that the peacocks were once more between him and the fairy ring; that twopence was in his hand, and there was no one at all abou

itical situation. "What's the use of being King of Fairyland if I have to

se at

ueen of Gossamerland. She sat down next

to be do

e Golden Key. You'll be king no longer, but y

me," replied Cedric. "Beside

he rightful heir. That will save the country a general

t to part with it? And

iver it to my dear friend, who will become a queen like me. Then she can choose

y me?" asked C

amer Queen, with a smile, half sweet, half malicious

key," she beg

worth a lot, you know: I wouldn't

her lips so sweetly and daintily, that he did give her the Golden Key, and she gave a kiss a

I must say," he remarked confidentially to himself, "I really do look every inch a king! But, after all, I couldn't go to school with this on-the fellows would be sure to notice it." He started at the ba

ink of his own return. "Now to find that door!" he exclaimed, and looked about him to ask the way. The gol

nly honey, and no policemen to tell the way." He wandered on in the

costed him on his arrival. He was gazing hard at the bo

how me the door?"

you mean?" asked

self out, if I can

ng gentleman, ex-King the S

show me

a-jar?" asked the ou

n his best royal-command manner, and looked so threatening

ut a word, and to his joy he discovered t

h which to open it. How was he to escape? He turned and looked back at what now was an immeasurable distance-so very far away d

look every

oor, and banged and kicked at it wi

ey would only spare it from their silly

gaze he saw his kite on the spot he had left it,

iry scene met his gaze-all so indifferent to his helplessness. Gra

e quietly turned the

had seen it before. "And Fairyland's end, too," he muttered; for all trace of the iron door had disappeared after he passed

SE

sel

d little girl looked down ove

ouse, and persuade Grandfather to come back with you

vites me to t

ts dark so soon now; and you must help me to tie the cracke

irs, smart and cosy in her red coat, hat, and m

across the moor," continued her mother, "or yo

there's snow, where all the grass is and w

ything nice and warm," repl

tler, advanced and o

lla as she ran laughing down the steps into the icy north wind, which blew her

r, and standing at the bow-window followed with loving eyes the graceful little red figu

icult and unpleasant," she thought to herself. "I'd far rather go round by the hill, and then, too, I could see if Grandfather has got the Snow Castle

h and started running, in order to save time, in the other di

lla found herself enveloped in a blinding snowstorm that obscured the landscape, and decided her to return home. But returning home was not so easy as turning herself round, and she soon had the

long hopefully and bravely, and even tried to sing, only the

d luck she came close up to a large piece of overhanging rock; she did not remember ever seeing it before, so she was more than ever confused as to the whereabouts

t her, creeping closer and closer, covering her boots, lying thickly on her frock, on her shoulders, drifting, too, i

such a dreadfully cold place!" And she determined to try and go on, if only t

know which side to come down, once she was on the top, in order to find the Moat House. Then she smiled as it occurred to her how much she must now look like the tiny

gazed at the largest, grandest Snow Castle she could never have imagined. Before it, too, stood a Snow Man

ent round to see where he had broken. But he wasn't b

e King Frost when you meet him in any guise. You wished to see m

igure mounted the white steps, went through the massive gateway, and proceeded down a long, narrow passage lighted with a ruddy glow from the high windows, which were glazed with something red, transparent, and glistening. It was much warmer here, and Rosella noticed that th

ich she declined. Then she thought she ought to say so

ndfather had built such

n with an amused chuckle. "I provide the material, you see, o

or she knew it wasn't polite to argu

o push open a swing door of ice a little way, and genially patted her on the cheek-wh

arches open to the air. Evidently it was scarcely snowing now, for only little isolated flakes came fluttering in. But in their falling they changed into little shadowy girls and boys in white, who dance

lemented towers she had noticed outside, and she imagined it a way of escape, so up she ran. The steps were very slippery, but she got up to the top, where, through a narrow loophole, s

he either would not or could not hear her. And what was very curious, there

attract his attention-but it would not go through. It stuck there and closed out her view. Try as she would she could not release it; and with

explore, and found herself in an octagonal turret chamber. "I suppose it se

s ther

snow, as was everything else in the Castle. Rosella entered it and took a seat. The lift at once began gently and slowly to go down, down, first into the foundations of the Castle, and then into the interior of the hill right down under the

said Rosella vaguely as she wandered about

avis entered. "Madam," said he, with an usually solemn face, "Mr. Silverton

d. "Though I don't see how she could, keeping straight across the moor to the

, Madam, if our young l

still s

I'll go immediately. There's no tim

l go at on

moor she met another search party headed by old Mr. Silverton and his faithful collie dog. And the moor rang with a

ad always imagined for no particular reason that it had no inside at all; "but of course," she now argued, "if it has an outside it must have an inside, or it wouldn't be an outside." But it was much more startling when she looked up and found that she was b

red!" cried Rosella, in an ecs

denly at her elbow like a little bright sunbeam. "King Frost is the ground la

ase?" inquired the Sp

ill, and my father'

am so glad to see you. Perhaps you w

when you see the snowdrops' mother

any grown-up snowdrops at Christmas-it's too early!-and I shall be losing my way for weeks!" continued Rosella. Nevertheless, she kept on turning to the right through upward passages first of rock, then of sand, in which were embed

things!" remarked Rose

er side. "And look! There are the baby snowdrops asleep in their earthy cots. They, too, will awake soon and get up. I helped their mother to get up as she

was all white again. She sat down upon a piece of rock to rest, and noticed the sunbeam pointing straight at a little woe-begone snowdrop sticking up out of the snow b

Majesty!" s

ontinued, "drink some of this now!" and something c

ur snow broth has made me all right." She said it quite grat

Snow Man all the time! And look! there's

re," replied old Mr. Silverton. He picked her up and, holding her alo

the child, as hot tears dropped on her daughter's face. "You must be perishe

nice and warm under the snow as

ng over all she had seen. Of course she confessed to her temptation to go astray, and was readily forgiven. Then, as Mr. Silverton insisted he had never in his life been any one else but himself, Rosel

there, because I've had nothing to do with any Snow Castle o

you see," insisted Rosella, smiling. "So I kn

and wiped hi

her and introduce him to King Frost. So the two climbed th

cheek. How cold his hand felt! It nipped her with cold, so that she shivered. Yet t

kiss that he wasn't a bit disappointed at the wonderful disappeara

Then she turned and wa

AT LIVED IN T

h, but inside, repairs were badly needed. It had been handed down from father to son, and over the front door,

in a small department of Nursery Land ruled over by Robert and Lucy. Lucy was groun

hbourhood. The pendulum, whose tongue never ceased to wag once it was wound up, remarked, that two firm hands were required to kee

tually at the hour, sometimes it didn't. Occasionally, it came out at odd times, and then remained indoors altogether. When that happened for a more than usually long period, it was sure to be because the poor Cuckoo felt indisposed in its bellows; and when it became apparent that something had gone wrong with the inmate o

was Tabiatha, the new kitten, cosily reposing in her new basket under the table. "Aha! Poultry!" mewed Tabiatha, lying low, opening a lazy but watchful eye, and gazing upwards. "Bless my tail! You're a tender morsel, I'll

d looked very melancholy. "What with that horrid boy, Robert, lurking about-and now a kitten of all things! Why, life's not worth the living! I

it, with a good swinging stride." The hands didn't explain their views-they were keeping far ap

d the Cuckoo. "It's all very well for a wagtail like you-but for a Cu

u can't see me. Do you follow me?" asked the pendulum jokingly. Getting

urse has gone to lie down. She isn't very well this afternoon. So at four o'clock put everythi

teps hurried on the landing to open the gate and let their mother out of their domain, and quietly closed it to keep themselves in. Then they settled down in the nursery to "Loto;" but as

n didn't come downstairs; and tea was just being brought in, when suddenly scream

d Lucy lying on the floor crying, with a cut on her lip, which was bleeding. Robert had both st

claimed their mother as she helped

n, "and she was the gazelle, and I

and back again," added Lucy in further

ure," replied their mother, with placid satisfaction that matters were

ee turned instinctively towards the Cuckoo c

hadn't forgotten to wind it up, we shouldn't have had t

make you ready," said their mother;

played with the bright links with all four paws and much enjoyment. With a sudden movement she righted herself-made a spring upwards, missed the chain and fell without hurt. Liking this novel game, she leapt higher next time, and alighted on a cushioned chair, scratched her way up, jumped on to a bookcase, and then on to an empty shelf. There was the chain within easy reach. Putting out her paw, it

c-

smayed, and, arching her back,

c-

arly touching her nose each time, but

uc-koo! Cu

ha's back, and bounded on to the ground. Tabiatha forgot at once her escape from breaking her neck, sprang after the Cuckoo lying there, turned it over, paused, sniffed, found to her surprise that it was not good to eat, that it hadn't even feathers, and was only made of wood, turned

orld a very dull and stupid place, and concluded that, after all, work was better than lying there helpless, idle, motionless, and ridiculous. What was the use of its trained voice now?

sery that morning, soon a

mething fresh for breakf

tress. "You've shot it at last. You ba

oned chair was in its place again-a long way off the clock. Every one was mystified, and could not imagine how it had happened. But Tabiatha knew all about it, though you would neve

it formed the firm determination to remain at its post in the future, and, with its Clock-

o!" Bow

THE COURT O

And Christmas Eve had come. No wonder every one was agog with excitement, because King Jorum was at last going to announce which of the lovely ladies of the Court should be raised to the position of the late Queen, his defunc

sixteen years old. So believed that fine young soldier, Prince Olivin; and so believed every one else in the whole kingdom. Every one else, with one exception-Princess Christobel, her sister, older by one year. She had her own ideas on the subject

King Jorum, in holly and mistletoe. In the antechamber to the ball-room stood the giant Christmas-tree, hung with so many gifts of exquisite needlework from the ladies of the Court f

the most beautiful ever seen or heard of. They were the handiwork of Countess Spinx, and of all the handsome ladies who were assembled in the ball-room where the candles in the chandeliers c

s of any distinctive style they liked-whatever suited their fancy best. (That was the origin, ages after, of the term-fancy-dress.) There was thus no slavish following o

epped into their midst, dressed as Cupid, and looking the realest of little Loves from the ti

is path, with her crook firmly planted on the ground: she was dressed as a shepherdess, which showed to advantage the curls on her fair neck,

right nor to the left, so unconcernedly did he continue

nd laughed; and the gentlemen stroked their mouths to hide their smiles. Then all conversa

raparpa

raparpa

Little Love by the hand. The whole company bowed and curtsied v

boots. He always wore woollen boots because, being his own Commander-in-c

and study of face and character I have come to the conclusion that there is not one lady of my Court but who is quite lovely enough and charming enough to b

r to the right

ight, especially the faces of the ladies, who thus remained equals, no jealousy being possible. "Such ta

view of the Christmas-tree before the revels commenced. King Jorum had detached one of the woollen boots embroidered with pearls and precious stones, anxiou

was his Majesty'

what Prince Oliv

nfastened it from the tree. "Ha! that's very smart. V

. However, as the hour of the revels was fast approaching, Veronica feared that her sister would be late as usual, so she took her last glance at herself in the mirror, tightened

ble voice in response to the li

you, as you

she replied ungraciously, moving some of the garments that littered the be

he sweetest little blue Persian kitten that

ed up her black hair without troubling even to do it before a glass; "but you look pretty

oes, fo

he thinks it

if you'

g about me-an ugly girl can't show to much advant

such unkind, unjust things?" pr

leep. You cry so easily; and then your bright eyes look heavy, and your aquiline nose

. Besides, one's look

ut I don't care if people trouble about me o

ing on, Christobel

and green skirt-does for indoors or

end you a new frock which I have, just the same as this; we can arrange ribbons of your

ready she took the sleepy Shah in her arms and stalked downstairs with hi

kind word for every one, stopping to greet with a smile or a merry jest all present; for they all adored her for her sweetness, graciousness, and extraordinary beauty. There wasn't a man but who would have di

is here! Papa h

he was coming," replied

had turned away, and Little Love was le

never pausing in her course through the long passages and up the marble stairway until she was back in her room, where she flung the poor Shah and herself on the bed and burst into a torrent of tears and lamentations in her loneliness, disappointment, and je

raparpa

raparpa

Veronica to Prince Olivin; and the strains of the Waltz of the Affia

her eyes from the glare, the scent of flowers and the soft strains of music becoming more noticeable as she approached the stairway whence the voices proceeded-one of which

e Countess, "that the

me pass; I don't know what's bec

r old friend. You are looking

very h

th your b

es

every one said I had the

uite still, bruised and bleeding. In the stillness that ensued-for the music had stopped-Countess Spinx flew upstairs, where she was confronted by Princess Christobel, who pushed roughly past her and hurri

w high-heeled shoes-that the sweet face was strapped and bandaged, for it was all cut and bruised, that the nose was broken, and her beauty spoilt for ever. Prince Olivin was half wild with grief

p on the stair-she was purpos

taking leave of your senses? There's not a soul who would

ury of disappointment at not being chosen Queen. She flung

up. "Summon the C

y put out her arms to save the unfortunate Princess from slipping. Further questioned, sh

ling on his jewelled boots, he hastily tore them o

overed consciousness and was free from pain she a

I-I am maimed for life? With a broken nose and sca

ame level with me in the future. How you

d beauty, I thought of it and prized it so

I will

only

have never felt sorry for any one but myself

y for me, too?-Poor Prince Olivin! Po

dly. "Beauty is everything!

ronica, with her head and face veiled in white lace, was

valid's room he would vow terrible threats of vengeance on Coun

uzzled her, that it was addressed to her sister. She awoke, and instantly remembered that Little Love had really kissed her hand that evening, to her great surprise. She sat up in bed listening, for she fancied she heard her sister call. Becoming anxious for her comfort, she rose, and went gently in to her. It was quiet in the dimly lighted cham

your sweet nature I love. You. Your beaut

iv

o become different? "Beauty is not everything, then!" she repeated wonderingly to herself over and over again, finding each time fresh comfort in the thought. "How wrong I have been! Out of her disfigurement Veronica says my love for her has grown, and is worth much to her in comfort. It has brought us close together, and made us both happy. How g

and bowed respectfully, and thought more of Prin

onica was to appear once more in their midst, and with the bandages removed from her poor face. It was a silent, uneasy company that had gathered together

n and blue. Her face showed no trace of scars; but her nose! Her nose was unrecognisable. It was no more aquiline, but tip-tilted-the sweete

talked of bonfires, and of honours, and tiaras all round, until he was hoarse. Then Princess Christobel appeared in white muslin and red ribbons, and there were cheers for her animated appearance and her kind expression as she gracefully returned their greeting. "Father," she said, drawing him on one side, "Veronica is asking for Countess Spinx. May I-may I tell the prisone

other to Prince Olivin, just returned from a voyage of discovery-the bronzed and manly young

r Highness," replied Litt

is foot-warmer and pouring therefrom the hot coffee which he imbibed at intervals in order not to oversleep himself in

er. He smiled over it, too, and smiled until his cheeks ached with so much smiling, as much as his poor head ached with so much thought. Sti

dwill, as is proper at this time of year, and has turned over a new le

he Duke of Rosenleaf asked Princess Christobel if she would make the Happy New Year a happy one fo

sia's great-great-grand-kittens were gambolling about the palace, it had become a frequent and pleasant subject for argu

APRI

RT

ER GO

l or gay. So, after changing three times, and deciding at last that it was not grown-u

oon?" exclaimed Norah. She rose from the study table and looked longingly out of th

rother. "Just come and help me

up-say fifteen-it would be different; but you're only

a low whistle, as he strolled towar

Norah, gazing in the

em'

asked eagerly,

med Wilfrid with scornful glee as he resume

wed to call me horrid names like that," said Nor

look, she set to wo

ished our lessons, will you, Norah dea

replied, with

hy

now why, b

've got nothing you wan

d, and spluttered, whilst their tongues moved silently from side to side outs

eaved a sigh

sn't Cinder

as gir

here were fairy godmothers and things!" exclaim

gives me anything, and the godmothers in th

podges like that to be like

g things. How nice it is to

Perhaps," continued her brother in a wise voice,-"pe

emed to consider the price of an

s sum. You remember your tables better than I do, b

if she had her choice, what she would like to be, what she would like to do, and ea

g cross, and frowning as he watched

women, and ask for something, such as a drink of water, or beg you to carry a load of wood or whatever t

er brother. "Much better

taken up with her fancies

pt her to come. Perhaps I may even hav

n to dance a

a, fairy

me now

girl who is l

o anything

fairy godmo

etry, but Norah hadn't

n?" exclaimed Wilfrid. And flinging his things together h

nging; then knelt down, and, stretching out her arms towards the crocuses

airy godmothe

y appeared a little old woman in a long cloak, who

lmost breathless in her

the stranger in crac

" replied Norah politely

worthy. See this slate which I have brought under my cloak. Every li

looking at it. "We are just learning th

had done the sum an

he fairy, with a gr

water?" now asked the hosp

mething else. Tell me, what of al

y pain

am glad you te

ow it?" asked N

mother. I'll take th

ht carry anything anywhere. But that was not required. Then she stood waiting expectantly. And her

r whatever you like. But you must ma

pointed to one minute to three; but her mind, from the

d the fair

aughter to her senses, and s

, or a pet lamb, with a blue ribbon and a bell round

said th

een, I could order those things and everything

alled out

amed Norah, just

iry. "Farewell!" And sh

ith tears. "Please co

can

hy can

ut I can't," replied

what sounded stranger still were the next

s, awf

frid's voice!" She pushed aside the hood.

aid you'd do anything and give anything for a reward, and now you've had to do so w

hought how she had been tricked into doing Wilfrid's horrid sum, how she had been made to give away her treasured pa

RT

TLE FLO

ved her right for being silly, and dissatisfied, and too selfish to lend her paint-box. Wilfrid certainly was a tease, but he

y him out, all the same-he'd had suc

eyes. Then all at once she smiled and laughed outright. For an idea had come to her,

that her curls fell in a towsled mass about her flushed cheeks. Next she took off her pink overall pinafore, whi

trewed some of them in the fold of her frock, which she held together in

me sand upon her feet and ankles, and thus prepare

d burst into the

inted on your big doll's pale cheeks. Oh, No

ower-girl standing on the garden path, and

h her big doll; still, she had not the affection for that stately lady tha

ch of viol

from a shelf in the cupboard, unlocked it, and took out twopence w

he street sta

pay," said the little girl tho

o you want?

ings," she r

all I'

," she said; "I w

, bu

rgan, as she had seen the poor children do in the streets, her little bare fe

th dissatisfaction; "my sister Norah c

to empty his money-box int

caper about the room in a very different sort of spirit. And then,

lfrid, disengaging hims

e-you're an April goose, Master Wilfrid!" And

id, ruefully at first, an

k I didn't know

ed his sister, her eyes

't," he rep

is pocket, and told him gently that she had only wanted to have a little bit

as a shame to tease her, as she couldn't fight him for it. And Norah hugged h

ildren romped on the lawn the stuck-up cro

THE TEAP

funny inscription, "I am not greedy, but I like a lot." The other cups were also lettered in gold. One hailed, it declared, "From Margate," and showed the pier as a proof. Another, a small one made of porcelain, wished "Many Happy Returns to Effie" every time she l

he knowledge of having done his duty in giving the thirsty Teapot a drink of water. So all was ready for tea except the ch

to be sure! One could scarcely hear

noring the pro

w we wer

e and n

r a bread-pla

ce English teapot once," r

ate. "He came from Worcestershire. He was a b

" exclaimed the Tongs, yawn

nding," grumbled the Teapot, "to be surrounded by such

at the insult, but it was drowned by the Ket

fuss-if a Po

g' to a

always a

late, and

ody washes

!" complained the Milk-jug, looking

1887, and hasn't a handle to one's back, one should retire t

once a Jubi

ug-ju

the K

rough all her composition. For she was his inseparable companion, an

the gentlemanly Spoons to their lady friends, wh

ate, "I'm glad I was not born in China.

k up the idea

y, porcelain, c

from the c

bought, and the

alloped in so

oor, terrified

e did nothin

right stuff," she continued, addressing the Tray; "you

er-slow and unpolished," a

xpress it-" broke in

Tray, interrupting the remark, "I'll ask for it. If I'd the chance I'd d

rrepressible Ke

he expense of th

is Doctor

es out

er of

, cement,

rse's Cup angrily to the Teapot; "there'l

tle Tea-leaves inside the pot; "he'

erstand us. But when we go cracked like Muggins over there, or stony broke like the Juggins next to him, or get sma

what out of breath from his exer

od, Staffordshi

reakable lo

one cra

a or S

r Worceste

e as muc

a bi

ed to bits

sing, too; they think we ought to last fo

"Dear me! What with your spouting, and his showing off

pound of tea! Shouldn't be surprised at all!" he continued, watching Nurse's Cup beco

ver it, and splutter, and gurgle. Then he grew vexed, and snorted, and got angrier and angrier, until

s getting his steam up. Pray don't de-range yourself, si

em to comfort

lained, turning a cold shoulder to the others. "Muggins, my boy, I'm beginning to get quite chilly; just go and fetch my cosy coat." He knew this was an impossibility, and he only said it in order to pick a quarrel. But, noticing a distant Plate who was openly laughing at

that it was difficult to imagine he was the same jolly fe

d the whole set felt as though they had been wiped the w

rse, as usual, was not having at all a good time with the three troublesome boys. Daniel had clambered on her back, and was trying to pull off her cap. Bob-who was not nearly such "A Good Boy" as his mug

ttered the China on

when the Kettle, unable to contain his feelings any longer, marked his indignation by hissing disapproval and then boiling ov

tled to arms, some standing at attention. The Spoons, stirred by the children's hands, began knockin

ed Effie, taking a tea-leaf ou

ied the Teapot, turning up his spout with scorn, and g

uddenly steadying himself by grasping the table. This was a

me?" asked the

ecret," replied

loud argum

now?" the Teapot cried. "Pray do

e stranger," exclaimed Nurse, putting her

you-his name's Mr. Tea-leaf!

voices to declare it was very unfai

right, making a grab at the

tumbled over backwards, dragging the cloth with him, and everyt

g in triumph: "I've got rid of them at last! I said I would when I got the c

a fuss, such a st

r the tea, and no

doctor may p

an gather and

THE MOO

DE OF T

when the bright fire at home is thought of with delightful longing. The gentleman who drove the phaeton that was bowling along the frosty road must have thoug

sat next to him. "Home soon, Toodleums," he added, turning

replied a childish voic

e war

thank yo

usual to-day, and that their long drive was to fetch her old friend the Doctor for his opinion, for she was listening with so much interest to an explanation which her father was giving of the new airship he had invented. He was still describing his successful trial tr

you say to going up with me in my a

nswered eagerly;

ayfully, leaning over to pat her cheek. And both gentlemen laughed. Mon

to the nursery. She had dressed there near the fire, and the boxes and things had not been tidied away. Monica stared around, thinking this

d Monica, "no one is looki

and I'll be back directly with your hot milk." Without waiting for an answer she bustled into the

e family for ever so long-so long as to have become, as it were, a m

ay to a little sister, I

the door Monica sprang forward, her face all aglow with exci

t? When's it coming? Wh

go, Dearie," said Grandnurse, dise

is it

te t

ill it

red Grandnurse, laughing gail

fetch it?" persisted Monic

ue moon. Now go ba

ho's going

le old woman over her shoulder in a hushed voice as s

d!" she muttered. "As though there were one! She often says that, but I'm not so silly a

. How lovely it was, that drive! She went to the large window seat and curled herself up in her favourite c

thought on: "I wonder if there is, after all. Can he be going to bring the baby? I should so like to know, and whe

friend. She had seen her father start on his journey in it, and had heard it all explained. The precious bandbox was placed in the car, and the next moment Monica was beside it. She touched a button. The great structure moved. She held her breath, and her heart thumped surprisingly. Then she clapped her hands

ike a bird right

oat and cap of fur. Higher, higher she went until she lost consc

burden with eyes fast closed, and the curly brown head lay

ship was aground on something, and Monica realised she must get her wits about he

lst round about was nothing but mountains, craters, caverns, and awful stillness. The

how there was company in that. Above her a moon was shining-not the moon she was accustomed to see, but one a

thing but mountain

told her what the earth must look like from there; and she realised that she had reached her destination, and was actually walking about in the moon,

gaily forward, the bandbox swinging from her arm.

tones-"much in want of a steam roller," thought Monica

d in a cloudy drapery. Then Monica was convinced; and she no longer had any doubt whatever but that there was a Man in the Moon, and that this w

had a peculiar cold

lcome! Are you

ild. "Why should I b

ill a second, but kept gloomily mooning about, his profile with its

-" stammered Monica, c

ly a poacher, too," he added, glanci

se sir, do

raised his arm till its cloud-like dra

staring vacantly about, and found that where he had stood t

s will be

Ord

quickly took refuge in t

d become accustomed to the gloom she saw a queer creatu

, "I'm too blind to see you. Just lead me to

he held out the bandbox and, supporting himself by it, her

them. It's not so dra

ong in this cave

nute," he mumbled. "But who are you, my dear? By

quite talkative, and began telling her about the m

ean useful information. She had recently been to hear her

rowsy. Emboldened by his kind manner, she told him why she had come, and begged for his advice. To her

o," she implored, and she shook

an ever. Delighted at the hint, Monica came out on to the plain, and saw the Man gliding slowly on,

at she stopped, wondering if he was getting a fit. Grandnurse's words, "When there's a blue moon," suddenly occurred to her, and she knew that now was her c

R SIDE O

ms of which were moonbeams, so that Monica stepped

a with the pride of the discoverer. "I must remember to tell her that." And she was just tying

belonged to a tiny figure no bigger than Monica's doll, dress

e told me it is the right side f

if Toady told you that, then no one c

m Mo

heard Monica's errand and had refreshed her memory as to where she lived, she remarked with surprise, "We've had an order for one to be sent to your address to-day. We always f

no bigger tha

ney on a new doll," said Monica, her eyes filling with t

lady, smiling. "Come with me and I'll show you rou

n a trim gravel path that had a moonstone wa

se?" asked Monica

ck," she added in a business-like way. "To Order or Bearer-which do you want?" The child he

've come t

cheque to Order and Be

nica plaintively. "How

then added loudly: "The little ones are being checked in the Cou

," falter

ssed through. "They are always on order," remarked the Gardeness as she led Monica up a high fl

the dearest, wee-est little baby imaginable, whilst hundreds of tiny creatures were tending them, drying the dew-drops from their big round eyes, and turn

the pervading warmth, she remembered having been surprised at seeing the moon and s

andbox," she remar

," and she drew Monica closer to the rows upon rows of the beautifullest roses, gently moved the

s of the beau

itor's remark on their resemblance to each other, she replied touchily, "I suppose you've seen many gi

Mary; and told her how in some flowers the children imbibe their tastes from their surroundings. Thus, as they strolled around, Monica heard that the Dandelion turns out too foppish a child:

ike to vegetables later on," explained the Gardeness; "now those over there," pointing to a bed of 18-carrots, "are as good as gold. But

row up silly. There were some rosy, apple-cheeked ones, but they looked all cheek. Little gipsy-faced babies peeped with black eyes from out

wn you some quaint little baby girls called Peach Blossom in the Japanese garden. But after all, I suppose you prefer an English

hat she should choose, for she had lost

ardeness, drawing her to an open window. "They are actually quarrelling over it aga

s one must be one! So that fat in

hly gathered from the garden were being numbered and ticketed by a regular little army of miniature hospital nurses, who received instructions from their superiors standing behind the counter. As she entered, Monica heard that No. 47,859,056-a dear little

abbage leaves, packed in one of the numerous bandboxes which lined the walls, and gently warned that if it cried much it would crac

h as, to sleep as much as it could after the journey; when bored, to suck its thumb; to try and g

for they had to be got off somehow, so were always sent (as if by mistake) where least expected. But Monica mentioned her choice, and begged very hard for it. So the Gardeness took the bandbox from her

the child, which was packed all snug and comfortable in the bandbox, and, above all, to make all speed or sh

touched the "drop spring" when the Man in the Moon appeared, approaching slowly. His face was turned fully towards her, and looked quite different from what it had been before, calm and expressionless. But she did not trust it, and was thankful when she pushed of

ng, dropping rapidly into the

Lifted

s Face was

n in

enter that small cave. How lucky I found it all out for myself!"-when, with a great start she came to earth and confusedly recognised the lighted windows of her home. How she got the airship back into its shed and how she entered the nursery window she never quite remembered. Throwing back the heavy curtain fro

th the new baby?" asked Monica piteous

oment's delay. Come and see, my Poppets, for I'm sure you wo

still sucking its thumb, Monica beheld with rapture the tiny Rose baby she

E

Ballantyne,

rgh &