THE TWINS' WISH

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 1, 2 January 1932, Page 16

THE TWINS' WISH

(Original.)

SCHOOL had broken up for six weeks' holiday, and Jessie Melbourne, the proud possessor of the EngLsa prize, departed from the schoolroom with her twin sister Josephine. "What's the good of hols.?" grumbled Jo. "They meau Christmas, and there won't be any presents this year." "I have that'five shillings Undo Jack gave me," reminded Jessie. miTmt' """I bu >' a Pres™t for the baby, mums, a?d g , a It won>t if it isn-t much. I'm sure they don't expect anything." . "Can I help you?" asked a silvery voice from behind, and, turning,' the twins beheld an amazing spectacle. ■;£ 7 iU/ W carriage covered with garlands of wild flowers, and drawn by a team of flimsy winged butterflies, was a beautiful queen, arrayed iv a long flowing gown of sweet-smell-ing rose petals. "I am Queen Madge," laughed th» lovely lady. "Wouldn't you like to see Oberon'J Yes, I'm sure you would! \\el, kneel down and kiss my hand." The girls did as they were bade, and on rising iound themselves quite as small as the queen herself. "Step into the carriage," said the queen lightly, and, as the children did so, the team of butterflies rose into the au- O'er the tops of houses and trees, until at last Oberon hovered into sight Down dropped the butterflies, landing on a round velvety green patch of f^n?" ,ln, stailtly s°ft music blared forth, and^dozens of tiny elfmen skipped towards the carriage to help the occupants disembark. V "Follow me," nodded the queen, and stepped out. Up an aisle of waving leeds they passed, but at the end thl queen motioned them to remain where they were while she continued the journey until she reached the throne To-day, my people," Queen Madge said, adoressing the crowd, "I have Drought two humans to see you I request you to do all in your power to fulfil their wishes. Snowdrop and Goldengale, will you take charge of Jessie atld Josephine Melbourne?" Two blithe young fairies, one in a snow-white dress tipped with green and the other m shimmering gold, stepped out of the crowd and dropped a curtse^. mvJ muring, "Yes, your Majesty.'* The fairies each caught one of the twins' arms, and led them away to'the Magic King, which was a ring of mushrooms, ht up by fairy lanterns. Inside was soft green grass, similar to that which the Queen's carriage had landed on. The fairies, seeing what pleasure it gave these children, endeavoured even more to give them a happy-time 'You must step into the ring - to wish, said Snowdrop, and instantly both girls squeezed between the mush" rooms and into the circle. As they washed, the lilt of music wafted with.'' the cool breeze to their ears. 'It's simply wonderful," whispered Jessie oil emerging from the ring. Her eyes were shining, and her cheeks we're flushed, vivid pink. Suddenly a low rumble of thunder was heard, fairies disappeared, and tlia, twins found themselves on the moor Quick, Jo," said Jessie. "There's going to be a thunderstorm." But although they ran home, both girls were not thinking of the approaching storm, but of their adventure. On Christmas morning early, loads of parcels were taken from off the doorstep by two happy girls called Jo an<l Jess. - , t ~ BOtfA CULL. Australia. ■ ..■••. .