THE GOOD FAIRY

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 72, 18 December 1928, Page 19 (Supplement)

THE GOOD FAIRY

1 ’ a It was the day before Christmas Eve, and Nancy was sitting curled up g on the rug at mummy’s feet, dreaming of the lovely party she was going to , have next day. Uncle Paul —dear ’ Uncle Paul whom mummy said was > the goodest man she had ever known —was standing in front of fire ’ talking to mummy and daddy, who r were strangely silent. > Nancy wasn’t really taking much notice of what he was saying because

she didn’t understand half of it. And then suddenly she found herself listen- ' ing. Uncle Paul was talking about Christmas. And he was saying things that Nancy, in her short, little life, had scarcely ever heard before. “It makes one sick,” he was saying, “to walk about London, and see the money that is spent by people on presents and luxuries when there is so much suffering and sickness around them. When I see those poor little urchins gazing, wide-eyed, at the shops full of wonderful toys, it makes one think that we ought to share our gifts and jolly times with them just a little.” Nancy didn’t listen any more because Uncle Paul’s words were making her think. She was wondering how she, who had more toys and gaines than she really wanted, could share them with some of the poor London children. Next day was Christmas Eve, and the day of the party. But Nancy was rather dismal and sad as she played games with the crowd of little guests mummy had asked, '. jeause she hadn’t yet discovered a way to share her presents with the poor children who had none. After tea there was the Christmas tree—a gorgeous, dazzling sparkling one which towered up into the ceiling. Then daddy suggested a game of blind-man’s-buff; and Nancy found she was blindman. And just as she was staggering out round the Christmas tree to try and catch someone, she heard a tiny voice whispering to her from the top of the tree. “Nancy,” it said, “I am the Fairy Doll, and Father Christmas has told me what you have been thinking all day. If you want to give some of your toys and sweets to children who haven't any, go to the french window and bring them in. I will guide you there.” Nancy was amazed, but she managed to grope her way to the long window

She tore off her bandage and flung open the windows, and there were five little urchins. “Oh, come in and have some fun,” said Nancy, and dragged them up to her daddy, who had managed to find still some more presents on the tree. It was after everyone had gone that Uncle Paul asked: “How did you know that anyone was watching your party, Nancy? And what made you want them to come and join it?” "Oh,” said Nancy, “the Fairy Doll told me they were watching.” “And,” said mummy, “it was what you said last night that made her want to share her toys.”

“The Haunted Plumber,” is the title of a Christmas story. So terrible are this character’s experiences that his flesh actually begins to creep. » * * Wifey: “You must not expect me to give up my girlhood ways all at once." Hubby: “That’s all right. Go on taking an allowance from your father as if nothing had happened.” *' * ♦ “A police court isn’t all grim and sordid,” remarked Judge White the other day. "Sometimes something really funny happens. Not so very long ago a chauffeur was brought In after having run down a man. “Did you know that if you struck this pedestrian he would be seriously injured?” I asked. “Yes, sir,” replied the chauffeur. “Then, why didn't you zigzag your car and miss him?” “He was zigzagging himself and outguessed me, your honour,” was the answer. » » * One of the attractions of the church fete was a fortune-teller’s tent. A lady took her ten-year-old, redhaired, freckled son inside. The woman of wisdom bent over the crystal ball. “Your son will be a very distinguished man if he lives long enough!” she murmured in deep, mysterious tones. “Oh, how nice,” gushed the proud mother. “And what will he be distinguished for?” “For old age,” replied the fortuneteller slowly.