THE FAIRY KING

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 124, 21 November 1931, Page 18

THE FAIRY KING

Nancy was a good little girl. At least, good sometimes. There was one thing that Nancy was naughty in, and that was she would not believe in fairies or fairy rings. Just now she was reading a story called "The Fairy Eing." All of a sudden she said quite loudly, "What's the use of reading a silly story like this? I don'fc believe in fairies or fairy rings."

"Don't you?" said a voice behind her. Nancy gave quite a start, and on looking round whom should she see but a fairy. "I am Brighteyes, and one-of my duties is to go around and find as many mortals as I can who say they do not believe in fairies," said Brighteyes, "and now I have found one."

Nancy was blushing, and felt very frightened. "What will happen to me, then?" she asked. "Well," said Brighteyes, "you must come with me and I will take you to the Fairy Queen. She will give you some punishment." Nancy did not want to go with Brighteyes, because slie was so scared; but she felt she had grown much smaller and had to follow Brighteyes.

After they had flown (for she too had wings) a long way, they came to some beautiful gates. Brighteyes told Nancy that this waa the entrance to Fairyland. When Brighteyes opened thb gates, Nancy saw that there was a path running up to a most beautiful house. Nancy was told that this was the Fairy Queen's palace; It was enow-white, and as it was quit© dark in Fairyland, it showed up beautifully.

Nancy was frightened now. She wondered what her punishment would be. Brighteyes knocker! at the door, opened it, and walked through, beckon-

(Original.)

ing Nancy to follow. Oh! the sight that met her eyes! The most beautiful queen was sitting on a beautiful throne. She had long flowing golden hair. Eight on the top of her lovely golden curls was a crown decorated by pearls and dewdrops. She had a long sweeping dress made of rose petals.

"BIEO-BIBO" (12)

Kelburn,

When Brighteyes came in with Nancy, Silver Wings. (for that was tho queen's name) smiled very sweetly and said: "Not a mortal child who does not believe in fairies, I hope?" Brighteyes was very sorry to have to say, "Yes, I am afraid it is." The smile then died away from the queen's face, and she said sadly, "I am so sorry." Sho thought a moment, then: "First take her out to see the Fairy Eing, and I will tell her what her punishment will be afterwards."

Brighteyes led poor, frightened Nancy out again through the palace on to the little path. She said, "Now you just follow me, Nancy." She took her through the court and gardens, and suddenly turned a sharp corner. There was the Fairy Eing. It was all lit up by lanterns, and ever so many fairy folk were there. Brighteyes told Nancy that they were preparing for the celebration of the queen's birthday. Brighteyes was just going to take Nancy round to the other side of the Fairy Eing, which was even more wonderful, when bang! What was that? and what was that ringing noise? —Why, it was the book that Nancy had been reading fallen down, and the ringing was nurse ringing the bell for tea!

Nancy always believes in Fairies now.