"ELIZABETH'S BIRTHDAY PRESENT"

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 35, 9 August 1930, Page 20

"ELIZABETH'S BIRTHDAY PRESENT"

"It's my birthday to-morrow," saidj Elizabeth to her mother, who was busily sewing, "and,'' she continued, "Invent up,to the fairy ring' Joy and I found, and I wished that I would get a small puppy. I do hope I get one." And she kissed her mother good-night. Mrs. Taylor sighed, for they were very poor, and ■ the presents she gavo Elizabeth always had to be useful. In the meantime, however, things were very busy at the Fairy Court. It was the Queen's birthday. Everything was in readiness for her, and the fairies, joyful and impatient, eagerly awaited her arrival. At the last minute she arrived. She daintily stepped out of the fairy carriage, and amidst a band of fairy ladies-in-waiting, made her way to the throne. She made a pretty picture as sho sat there. Her golden' curls hung below her waiat; her violet*coloured eyes were a-sparkle with _joy, and. her scarlet mouth was curved in a pretty smile. ■ "Fairies!" she said. "For the one who has done the most good deeds-this past year I will grant ono wish." There

{were excited murmurs among the fairies. , Then the chief fairy stepped uj: and said: "Fairy Bluebell has done the most good deeds this past year.',* So feeling very shy and nervous. Fa«£ Bluebell stepped in front of tWu <jto;e*i. "What is your wish.}'-' said .the Queen in a sv-'ect voice like the clear tinkling of a toll. ~, •' . . ::■:...■ "I-I think I w-would like Elizabeth to have the birthday present she desires most." "Your wish shall be granted, and you shall be made one of my ladies-in-waiting for thinking of other people," the Queen said. The following morning, when Elizabeth woko and found a tiny puppy by, her bodsido her joy knew no bounds. Now that he knows Elizabeth, they have great times together, but if you should go to Fairyland you would find no happier fairy, there than "Princess Bluebell," who has been adopted by, the Fairy Queen. ' . , ■ , "CAPTAIN PEGGY." Lyall Bay.