Aunt Roberta’s Family

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVI, Issue 105, 3 April 1926, Page 12

Aunt Roberta’s Family

AUNT ROBERTA’S LETTER. My Dear Nieces and Nephews,— Easter holidays and Easter Day bring Easter eggs for most of us! Chocolates and sugared ones preferably, and a boiled one for Easter morning! Old-fashioned children always preferred them hardboilod, because they would play at ball with thorn, throwing and rolling them about, in and out of doors, and eating them when they were tired of playing. Things are different theso days; wo play at ball, footer, basket-ball, tennis and golf—but egg-ball, never! Supposing you lived some four hundred years ago when Good Friday came round. You went to church, liko most of the other people used to do, and inside the church you wore not at all astonished to see the clergy or priests playing at ball with tho choir! They marchod along, chanting, and threw little balls across the aisles to each other as thoy sang. After a time the “game” ceased, and white cakes were presented round. Truly, you think this was strango behaviour for people within church; but it was really done “once upon a time.” Tho cakes were called “ tanr,y” cakes, and had a bitter tasto to remind one of horbs. Thcro was, of course, a religious significance behind both the oako-giving and ball-throwing, which was only included in the services at Eastertide. Another old-timo custom waa called “lifting:.” Several gallant youths carried a comfortable chair draped in silks and ribbons out into fho street on Easter Monday morning. Then any fair damsel thoy might meet had to bo carried in the chair; she paid the boys a feo and received a kiss ! Well, have you all made up your minds about our Magazino? I am euro that you would like to see your efforts in a very nice production. But I must know how many will be required because it will take such a lot of money to specially print theso little books. Think it over carefully and let me know by tho Ist May. Hoping you are enjoying a very happy Easter. Yours affectionately, “AUNT ROBERTA.” Special prizo of 5s to Beryl Perry, Wakarara, who bas gained 30 points by Highly Commended and Commended marks. “Aunt Roberta’s Family” badges are obtainable at a cost of Is each (stamps or postal note). ENROLMENT COUPON. Cut out this coupon, fill it in, and post to “Aunt Roberta,” c/o “Manawatu Evening Standard,” Palmerston North. My Name i a My age is ' My addrese is My birthday is 1 read “Aunt Roberta’s Family” Page. “Aunt Roberta Family” Badges are obtainable at a cost of Is each (stamps or Postal notes). CORRESPONDENCE CLUB. Myrtlo Bateheler, 107 Elies road, Invercargill (14 years) writes; “I would liko very much to correspond with one of your nieces in the North Island about my own age.”“MADCAP BILLIE.’’ THE TRUCE. Chapter 14 (continued.) Fred thought for a moment or two. “Don’t suppose she’ll wake up for awhile —I’ll chance it. Hal, you go round by tho gate, and I’ll climb over the fence.” “We’ll sit on tho verandah, where it is shady, and I’ll tell you what I’ve thought of,” Billie said, when both boys were on tho other side of tho fence. Hal looked shyly at Esther, who smiled at him in a motherly fashion. “Please sit by me,” sho said. She longed to nurse him, and do his hair, as she did her doll's. Rose inspected his crutches thoroughly, and then snuggled her warm hand into his bony one. “Me likes ’oo,” 6ho said with charming candour; and the boy’s face turned a fiery red. “Wo can’t bo really and truly friends until we’ve all dono something to show that we're not afraid,” Billie began to explain to Fred earnestly. “You an’ Hal are to tell mo, Essie and Rose in turn to do anything you want us to —and then wo’ll tell you to do something when our turn comes; and if you, me, Rosie, Hal or Ess don’t do it, then it will show we are afraid, and wo can’t be truly friends.” “What sort of things <lo you mean?” Fred asked, looking puzzled. “We’ll begin now. and then you’ll bo able to see. I’ll take first turn. Go into our liouso, take down daddy’s gun, which is hanging over tho mantelpieco in our dining-room, bring it out hero and let it off,” Billie commanded in one breath. “I understand now, and it’s not a bad sort of game. But I don’t think your turn is a bit fair, because your father would bo vory angry—and I won't do it,” Fred said with decision.

somo things father sent,” Fred replied, mystified at her fearless acceptance of his challenge. “Tho bridle and saddle are on the rack,” he added.

“Can sho rido?” he asked Esther, as Billie bounded off.

“Oh, yes —haven’t you seen her on old Price—her horso?” Fred shook his head “No.”

In a short time, up tho narrow garden pathway camo Billie upon the pony’s back her face wild-rose tinted and looking utterly happy. “He’s just wonderful —and I love him!” sho cried, her eyes shining. Sho dismounted, and Esther and Rosie crowded round the handsomo little creature.

“Please, don’t make me take him back yet, Fred,” sho pleadod. “But your father might catch us,” Fred argued. “Ho won’t be back for ages an’ ages, and, anyhow, lie’s not a scotty sort of father-. Wo won’t finish tho game now. Let’s lako it in turns to ride tho pony,” Billie said eagerly. Fred looked disappointed. “Just let Hal havo a go. He can chooso one of you girls. Go on Hally.” “Let Esther bring mo a flower out of tho garden,” the boy murmured shyly, fumbling with bis crutches. “That’s a silly thing—too easy,” said his brother disapprovingly. “Isn’t it Billie?”

But Billie was kissing tho pony’s satin neck and did not hear tho question. “Gee! Somebody is coming!” Frod cried.

“Oh ! It’s dad and Pat —and Miss Dabonne, too ! How horrid 1 Quick ! Go insido, you’ll have to hide in our house or they’ll seo you 1 Hal couldn’t run. I’ll fasten tho pony behind this thick tree, and they won’t seo him. Miss Dabonne will be go angry—she told us not to talk to you,” said Billie, blurting out tho truth in tho excitement of tho moment.

Fred, too agitated to think, caught hold of his brother and bundled him through the front doorway. “Whore shall wo hide?” ho asked, standing in the narrow hall. Billio sprmig after them: “Anywhere—under tho beds —Oh ! Quick 1 and sho pushed them both behind tho door of her own bedroom.

“Well, I hope you’vo been, good—all by your llitto selves said Miss Dabonne, coming up tho verandah steps with their father a couplo of minutes later. "I they look quito subdued—don’t you think so, Mr Weston ?” she continued jokingly, and passed in into tho diningroom. Tho father caught ono of Billio’s cars between finger and thumb, playfully, and forced her inside, her sisters following meekly. “1 want a full account of your doings,” ho said in mock severity, and Billio gave a guilty start. Releasing her, ho dropped into a chair. Rosie leant against, his kneo and began toying with his watch-chain. “Tarn’t mo habe, a wide on tho baby horsey?” sho asked. Billie gave her a sly poke in the back, and Esther’s face turned crimson and then white.

“What baby horso?” her father asked idily. But just at that moment, Jack, the sheep dog, having broken liis chain, tore in barking loudly. Ho 6aid “Good Day” all round, then, sniffing tho' air, made ono bound across to the bedroom where the boys wore hiding. Pushing the half-closed door open with his nose, he rushed in. Tho broken chain clanked behind him on tho floor and Grace put her hands over hor ears to shut out the noise.

“Jack, Jack, como out of that,” Mr Weston called, rising to eject him. “What are you making such a fuss about?” Then. —out into tho bright sunlight, that was flooding tho dining-room through its wostern windows, camo two boyish figures, the dog jumping wildly round them, proud of what ho had unearthed. Hal limped painfullly along by his brother’s side, his faco deathly white, and Fred hung Ins head in a shamed way.

Mr Weston gave a low whistle of amazement, and Grace Dabonne moved quickly across to the intruders. “What is this?” sho demanded.

Suddenly, from behind a pair of young arms woifo flung around hor neck. “Please, please, don’t be angry,” Billio urged, nearly choking her. It’s only Frod and Hal from next door. They’re not a bit horrid, an’ we’ro speaking now. We mado it up this very afternoon —and they’ve got an angel of a pony !” “How could you disobey me so, Billie?” Graco cried in a shocked tone of voice, but noted, with relief, tho refined appearance of tho boys.

“Lot me understand,” Mr Weston said. “You live next door?” addressing the boys, “and you were playing with my daughters? You did not wish to bo seen, so you hid ? And a very foolish thing it was to do.”

Beforo Fred had a chance to reply, Billie burst in: “I mado them do it, dad, because I thought Miss lfabonno would bo a’noyed if she found wo knew Hal and Fred, after telling us wo weren’t to talk to them—but they ro very, very nico.” “I am very sorry,” Fred faltered. “My brother and I will go homo at once.” Mr Weston put his hand on the lad’s arm kindly. “Thero is no need for you to bo upset. I am quite willing for you to bo friendly with my daughters, if your parents are also agreeable, and I am suro that Miss Babonno feels tho eamc —- now that she knows you. It ivas wrong of Billie to disobey Miss Habonno, but, as it happens, thero is no barm done, and we will lorget this little unpleasantness.” “Thank you —but —but Hal and I must go,” Frod replied, uncomfortably, remembering Madame’s words, and wondering what sho would say when sho knew that her orders had been flatly disregarded. “Certainly. I am sure Miss Habonno will bo pleased to see you both any time you like to come in.” “Yes, indeed ! It will bo nice for my girlies,” and Graco sihiled at the boys, hor heart very tender for little deformed Hal. “But mind, not during lesson hours,” 6ho warned them.

Tho sparkle in Billie’s eyes expired. “I s’ppose it was a mean thing for mo to tell you to do, 60 my turn has gone,’’ she said magnanimously. “It’s Essio’s ‘go’ now.” Esther gazed helplessly at her sister: “What liavo I to say ” “Tell him to climb on to our roof !” cried Billie, engerl y seizing tho opportunity thus afforded. “Y-e-es,” said Esther, not sure whether sho liked the idea.

Billie, overjoyed that everything had turned out so nicely, escorted her friends down the verandah steps.

“S’pose you’ll have to take the pony?” sho asked wistfully ' “Yes. But you can have him any time you wish. Wo could go for rides together sometimes if—if Madame will allow us,” Fred added lamely. He know that Madame did not forgive as readily as did Miss Dabonne

Fred sprang to his feet. “That’s easy enough !” He stood on the verandah railing and thon slung himself on to tho roof. “It’s your turn now, Rosie,” Billie said, when ho returned, triumphant. Rose giggled. “Frow mo up like daddy does.”

“Goodbye,” Esther called softly from the verandah, and Rosie stamped down the wooden steps as fast as her fat legs would carry her: “Boodbyc, tittle boy,” sho said to Hal, affectionately. “Tarn’t ’oo tome and lib wiv us ovor an’ over?” and sho smiled into his face bcwitchingly. (To bo continued.) “OUR MAIL BAG.” Gwen Whitehead: Thanks very much for the Riddles and Jokes, which are quite clever. I hope to use them in due course, but we don’t often have room for Crispies. Much love. Ruby Bailey: Delighted to enrol you as a member of “Aunt Roberta’s Family.” Will you please let mo liavo your birthday date. You print beautifully, and it is no wonder some of your printing was sent to tho Exhibition. I am so glad you think “Madcap Billie” is “very thrilling.” Tho results of “Lizzie’s Birthday Competition” will appear in due course. Much love, Ruby. r Roll call; Gladys Stimpaon.

Tho boy caught the little maid in his arms and tossed her up into the air.

“A nuzzer,” sho begged, peering up at him from beneath the soft brown curls that had fallen across her eyes. Laughingly, he responded. “I have to do what you toll me now.”

Frod looked down at Billie, who was sprawled at his feet, and a gleam caine into his eyes. “Climb over tho fence and go through our grounds to the stables. The gate of the stable-yard, cannot be opened from the road side. Saddle and bridle the pony you’ll find in the stable—he only came up from town this morning—and ride him here. Be sure and return by tho road or one of the maids might see you —and split. I guess you’re afraid to do that!” Billie stood up, and pushed hor hair back from her face. . “I’m not a bit afraid I But there might bo someone in the stables who would stop me.” “No. Madame sent both the men across to Jingledale with the spring car to get

"STRIVE HARD. AIM HIGH AND PLAY THE GAME.”

18th COMPETITIONS. CLOSING DATE, WEDNESDAY, 14th APRIL, 1926. A separate sheet of paper mu6t be used for each entry, bearing the name, address and ago of competitor. Each entry and envelope must be marked “18th Competitions.” THE MAGIC CARPET. Make out--briefly—a travel tour to some place—any placo in tho world you wish to see —giving as many practical particulars of tho trip as you* can manage, and your reason for choosing that particular trip. Senior Division (12yrs and up to 18yrs) : lrt prize 4s, 2nd prize 2s. Junior division (under 12yrs.) : Ist prize 4s; 2nd prize 2s. A BREED OF DOGS (Competitions suggested by Ray Morgan). Each sentence is a syllable of a breed of dog:— 1. A title given to a very good man. A boy’s name. 2. A colour. A name for a hunting dog. 3. Tho atmosphere. A letter of the alphabet. A valley. 4. What is not 6ld. Discovered. Another word for country. 5. A fierce horned animal. A domestic pet. Senior division: A prize of 2s 6d. HIDDEN BOOK TITLE. (Competition suggested by Betty Hannan). Arrange the following letters to form tho title of one of Charles Dickon’s best known novels: — CDEHIHILOOPORSTSTUY Junior division: A prize of 2s Gd. RESULTS OF 14th COMPETITIONS. “THE GOOSE GIRL” COLOURING COMPETITION. There were not sufficient pains taken by many of tho competitors when colouring “The Gooso Girl” illustration; in fact, soino wero in such a hurry that their entries looked as if they had just picked up three or four crayons and rubbed them over the surface of tho sketch. Tho effect was anything but artistic. TTiero was no name, address or age on some of tho entries. Others omitted th fir AGE, and I had to turn to my Roll for this most necessary information. Winnie Gardner, 105 Crinan st., Invercargill, did not write her ago on either of her entries, and as her name is not on my roll I did not know to what division silo belonged, and was, therefore, obliged to hand her entries over to Lizzie. Those who did not havo tho sense to pin, gum or affix thoir name, address and age in some way to their “Goose Girl” colouring entries did not havo any chance of winning a prize. SENIOR DIVISION. Ist prize (4s): NANCEY HOBSON, la Clyde road, Napier (15), whose entry stands out above all others, 'l'ho oolouring and detail work are perfect. 2nd prizo (2s) : MAVIS M. WESNEY, 18 Thomson street, Invercargill (16). Highly conunendod : Rose Cogldan, Gwen Pearce, Jcun Monteith, Jocelyn Shattky, Ivy Miller, Ireno Lloyd, Maja Petersen, Joan Allison, Jack Durham, Phyllis Whitehead, Florence Hobson, Nory Bagnall, Margaret Johnstone, Mary Burrell, Evolyn Roberts, Rita Puddle. Commended : Leslio Brown, Betty Griffiths, Phyllis Nicholls, Gladys Elliott, Robert Sinclair, Myrtlo Batchelor, Myrtle Emerson, Nellie Comber, Mollio Puddle. JUNIOR DIVISION': Ist prize (4e) : LILY MAXWELL Otautau (6). 2nd prizo (2s) : COLLEEN KNEEBONE, 150 Broad st., Palmerston N. (7). Rosino Barriao, who sent in the third best effort, is awarded three marks and special praise. Highly commended : Anna Christensen, Lily Gore, Pirio Thomson, Alex C’ooch, Edith Cranton, Madge Masters, Laura Beale, Graco Taylor, Joan Hobson, Paula Shattky, Beryl Perry, Rata Houghton, Betty Hannan, Gwen Whitehead, Ewart Littlejohn, Margaret and Maurice Huddclston, Rachel Anderson, Dorothy Bagnall, Ena Thompson. Commended : Vera Burr, Laurence Bunn, Jack Kollo, Vera Martin, Dorothy Sloman, Daisy Rao, Corrie Fisher Rita Middleton. “THE GOOSE GIRL” STORY COMPETITION. SENIOR DIVISION: I was surprised (and disappointed) that no one, but Eula Arthur, 2/7 Main st., west, Palmerston North (12), was able to write a really worth while story about the “Gooso Girl.” Eula gains Ist prizo (4s) for a very excellent, humorous story. Mary Rooney, 52 Clyde st., Invercargill (16), comes second. Her idea is good, but the story is rather carelessly written and badly punctuated, which i s a pity, as I am 6ure that Mary, by taking pains, could quite easily overcomo these faults. Highly commended: Jack Durham’s story is well worthy of mention. The idea is excellent, but tho stylo could be improved. Tho sentences do not flow easily, and, in places, it is diflculb to grasp the moaning. The story by Mavis Wcsney is very sweet, but tho theme is a well worn one.’ Joan Allison, Myrtlo Whyte. Commended: Mollie and Rita Puddle, Jessie Lloyd, Florence Hobson, Phyllis Nioholls, Rog. Knight, Margaret Johnstone, Rene Sullivan, Evolyn Roberts, Priscilla Woods. FIRST PRIZE. “THE GOOSE GIRL AND THE KNIGHT.” Once upon a time, in a far-off country, there lived a pretty little gooso girl, who tended the geese of King Pooli-bah, a savage tyrant who ruled fiie people full fiercely, levying unnecessary taxes (without the consent of Parliament), and throwing people into dungeons for the least little thing; in short, ho was a real bad OUBEvery morning, at five minutes lo seven by her bluo-cnamellcd wrist-watch, the goose girl betook herself to the fields, and, seating herself on a rock, assumed a pose of graceful sadness and waited for something to happen. So far only one exciting ovent had occurred; Planner Bloggs’s bull, catching sight of her red pinny, had charged, and she had been obliged with considerable loss of dignity, to scale ’a tree and wait there until the bull had departed. Well, on tlio morning when this story opens, the goose girl herded her charges together und strolled towards tho common, whoro she sat on a bank besido a brook and combed her golden hair. “I really must havo it shingled,” she murmured. ‘Tin quite out of fashion.” A few archers, clad in tunics of green, and wearing white feathers in their caps, passed by, one them smoking ,a choioo cigar. The gooso girl sighed and combed on. Presently she became aware of a rattling and clanging behind her, and, turning, she saw Archibald, Knight of Ballybad Towers, galloping across the common in his snorting, jot-black car. Behind and before him trotted attendants on bicycles,

and above his noble head floated tho banner of tho Ballybads—a black cat rampant on a scarlet ground. As he passed tho goose girl, Archibald raised his plumed helmet and beamed at hor through his monocle, and she smiled at him coyly in response; then the car, taking the tollgate like a bird, disappeared round a bend in tho road, and left the goose girl dreaming of tho gallant Archibald. Day after day sho sat by the brook, combing her hair (which, by tho way, had been bing’.ed by the best barber in town), and punctually at a quarter past ten Archibald thundered past. Then ono morning, as he passed in his plunging steed, a note fell at the goose girl’s feet. Opening it, sho road the following message :

“Meat mo lonite ncer tho parlyminlry Hidings and we’ll go to Mary Bickford at the Majestic. Yo/es sincerely, Archibald _ Ballybad.” Tho gooso girl’s heart walloped her sides liko a buffalo in a glass, case and hor azure eyes, with becomingly darkened lashes, began to shine with joy. That night sho donned her best frock, bought somo chewing-gum, and mado her way to tho Parliamentary Buildings, where she found Archibald impatiently awaiting her. The thoughtful boy had reserved 6eats at tho Majestic, and tho pair settled down comfortably to enjoy the antics of the win. some Mary. Suddenly Archibald gasped. “Crums 1” ho exclaimed. “There’s dad and King Pooh-bah watching us 1” Tho gooso girl raised her head from the manly shoulder nearest lior, and gazed at the Royal Box, where His Majesty and Ballybad senior wero silting, regarding tho young couple down below. “Goo 1” she murmured through her chew-ing-gum. “Will you get into much of a row '!” “No fear 1” retorted Archibald. "I know how to deal with tho old geyser.” Tho gooso girl gave a sigh of relief and roplaced her head on his shoulder.

Next morning, as sho 6at by tho brook, slio heard, instead of" tho rattling and banging of Archibald's wild steed, a low rumblo of wheels, and. turning, she boheld approaching lior a golden carriage drawn by four prancing, milk-white bullocks. It was the king’s state carriage. Tho conveyance drew up besido her, and Pooh-bah, a benign smile on his unlovely face, leant out of the window. “Sweet maid” —hero ho made a grab at his crown, which had slid forward —“I fell in love with you last night, and have come to make you iny bride !” Then suddenly aroso a terrific crashing and jingling—the familiar sound of Archibald’s steed; and the young knigliL’s voico roarod above the din: “What ho, you blighter! lfow dare you steal my girl!” And with that, Archibald, with flashing eyes, jammed his foot on tho accelerator and sent his charger fair and square into tho carriago, which rose gracefully, oxen and all into tho air. and descended some fifteen feet distant. Then tho noble knight, grabbing tho goose girl, whizzed away across tho common, leaving Pooh-bah waving his umbrella and shouting imprecations alter his retreating rival. “Possession,” murmured Archibald into tho Goose Girl’s ear, “is nine points of tho law.” SECOND PRIZE “THE GOOSE GIRL.” (By Mary Rooney), f Tragedy hoverod in tho air. In tho great court all tho members of Fairyland wero assembled before their Queen, who, with angrily flashing eyes, faced her subjects. Mero, the most michiovious maiden in tho kingdom, also stood before the Queen, and over her abashed head their Ruler pronounced sentonco on Mero’s latest indignity. Only that very day sho had caused Pclvy, tho baby fairy, to cry herself ill with grief, because Mero had called her a “meddling little gooso”;. and now tho Queen’s patience was exhausted. ‘‘You shall be a goose girl and live on tho cold earth and never, until a human shall strike you dead for doing a kind action, shall you re-enter the kingdom,” she pronounced the sentence; and the penitent Mero found herself sinking, sinking, until she rested upon a grassy hillside upon which wandered a flock of fine fat geese. Slowly tho weeks passed. Mcro’s presence was taken as a matter of course, and, from liie knoll where she usually sat., slie now gazed wistfully at the moss-covered turrets of tho Castle wherein reigned tho Count whoso geese she toiled over. Sorrow filled her heart. Never again would she wound the feelings of a fellow-creature. If only she wero back in Fairyland ! She sighed as she brushed her Jong golden hair and watched tho geese disporting themselves in tho silver river rippling nearby. Her body wa6 weary from climbing and chasing after the flock, and her heart was heavy with despair. Just then a castle page appeared before her. “Tho countess is ill and desires broth made from a goose,” he explained; and wrung tho neck of a plump goose, telling Mero to follow him and bring the bird lo the kitchen. They toiled up the steep bushy path and wore suddenly amazed to seo a poor beggarly-clad woman rush out from tlio surrounding woods and fall on her knees before them. “I bog of you both,” she sobbed, “lo let me have your goose. Five little ones have I who are lying dying from want of food! Oh surely, you will not deny mo that which will revive them and givo them new life.” Tears sprang, to Mero’s eyes, but tlie pago laughed brutally. "Go your way, beggar, or I will sec you aro removed from tho country,” he said importantly, and was walking on, when Mero, witli a swift gesture, placed the gooso in the sobbing woman’s hands, and hurried her away. The page stood in astonishment as the grateful creature disappeared in tho woods, but before ho recovered li.is breath their master was beside them, 110 had witnessed the giving away of his fine bird, and rago burned within his breast. A ragged cottager had been placed before his wife! “How, dare you, girl! My prizo geese —and you .” ho spluttered angrily—“know you not tho Countess lies ill Z And you servo others with what she wants 1” Mero shrank back affrighted. Well she know tho peevish, disdainful lady who was always imagining herself at death’s door and ordering this, that and everything. “You —I —how dare you defy me'/” The Count in his hot rage over tho supposed slight to his beloved wifo look a hasty step forward and gave poor Mero a cruel blow on tlio head with his sword. Immediately she fell dead to the ground. Appalled at his own violence, tho Count stood in trembling horror, and the page shivered. Then to their unbounded amazement More’s body vanished, and they witnessed a faint rainbow figure floating up towards tho hoavens. Looking at the spot whero she had Jain they saw blooming a sweet flower. This was Rosemary. The queen had remembered. JUNIOR DIVISION: The efforts wore very poor. MADGE MASTERS, Box 52, Onga Onga, Hawke’s Bay (11), comes first again. Her little story is much superior to all other entries. Tho second prizo (2s) is awarded to PAULA SHATTKY, Fitzroy Avenue, Hastings (10 years). Highly commended: irior a “little lady” of just 8 years, Daisy Kae is to bo complimented upon her pretty tale about the “Gooso Girl,” whose geese laid “golden eggs.’ Grace Taylor, Beryl Perry. Commended: Edith Cranton. Allan Maxwell, Phyllis Knoebone, Colleen Ktieobouc, Jack Rollo, Sylvia and Ena Thompson, Vera BuTr t Billy. Tail*

FIRST PRIZE. “THE GOOSE GIRL.” (By Madge Masters, ’ll years). On tho- outskirts of a small village there once lived a poor woman whoso hud. band had been killed in thw war. She had an only daughter, whom she named Griselda. Tho woman owned a largo flock of geese, and while her niothar was at ■work in tho village, it was Griselda’s duty to feed and look after tho geeso. In tlio early vnorr.ing, while the dew still lay on the grass, Griselda would take a few crusts of bread, and. calling her geese would walk out in the wide fields beyond the village. Tho geese were so tame that she never drove them. They each had a name, and would follow at her call. As sho passed by, the village people used to stop and gazo at tho beautiful girl leading tho goeso along the roafl. During tlio long hot days, the geese would scatter in all directions over the green field. Some would swim in tlio little stream, and Griselda wor : I amuse herself by throwing pieces of bread on the water and watching tlio geeso raco for the food. Her favourite seat was under a tree by the stream and the G'ri would often occupy her lime by dabbling her hot, dusty feet in tho cool water and combing out her lovely golden hair. One day, as sho was resting by the tree, thinking of bow poor sho was, sho, fell asleep, and dreamed that tho biggest of tho geese walked up to her, and 6ai<l : “Griselda, if you will trust yourself to me, I shall tako you away to another land.” Perching herself on tho goose s bock, tho girl, feeling very happy, flew off. For many hours they seemed to be flying, when, at last, the goose alighted in a strango country. Tho first thing Griselda noticed was that not a human being was to bo seen, for the country was peoplod with geese—beautiful snow-white geese, with golden beaks, and crests on their head. Griselda was given everything she warned. All tho things she had longed for in her poor homo wero given lo her now. For a time sho thought everything was wonderful, and was perfectly happy. But as the days passed, sho began to long for her mother and her home, and the simple pleasures sho had enjoyed there. Sho missed hor work, too, and would at anytime have gladly exchanged _ her fine clothes and beautiful surroundings for tho poor things she had so despised at home. Sho began to feel so desperately unhappy, that, at last, one day sho begged the head of tlio golden geese colony to let her go back home.

“Of course, you may go,” ho said, “now you havo learned your lesson —never to be discontented with' your lot.” lie called tho gooso that had brought her there, and it at once spread its wings. Griselda mounted, and they began their long flight towards homo. It scorned to grow very cold, and presently, shivering, sho awakened to find that; the sun had set, and all tho geese were cackling around tier, clamouring to be taken homo. Slio sprang up joyfully, and calling her geese set off quickly for what she nowthought the loveliest place on earth —her liumblo homo.

SECOND PRIZE. “THE GOOSE GIRL.” (By Paula Shattky.) Once upon a time a beautiful girl was walking along tlio road. She had a sad look on her faco, and the cause was not far to seek. Though sho had most things she had one great sorrow and that was she could not speak. Just after sho was born her mother had done something to displease the Queen of Fairies, and sho had cast a spell over her littlo daughter, saying that sho would never speaJc until the Fairy Queen so willed. She sat down by a stream, and presently she saw some geeso come waddling by. One poor goose was hurt and was lying in the middle of the road and was in clangor of being run- over. So, with her handkerchief, which sho tore into strips, she bound up the hurt leg. Just as sho had done this, to her surprise sho saw standing in front of her a little elf, dressed as a king. "I am the King of the-Elves. Can I do anything for you in return for your kind act/”

As tho “Gaoso Girl” could not speak she mndo signs with her lingers-and - told the elf her story. The elf said: “I have more power than the Fairy Queen and will restoro your speech. After that the girl was able to speak as other people, and sho was always kind to tho goose. So she came to bo called ’’The Goose Girl.”