PANSY FACES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20520, 22 March 1930, Page 4 (Supplement)

PANSY FACES.

By KAJX WILLIAMS.

Once upon a time! All really nice fairy stories begin that way. In the days when the world was very young, all the flowers were gathered together, waiting for something very wonderful to happen. They were all very beautiful to look upon, but they felt something was lacking, something was needed to make their beauty complete. They were all in a flutter of excitement, all talking at once, when the Christmas lily, one of the tallest among them, said:." Ah, here she comes!" At once the flowers fell silent, as dancing on a bright sun-rav, came their Queen. All golden and pink and sparkling she came, the flowers could only gaze at her in awe and reverence. Their Queen was indeed perfect and complete. With a happy little sigh she flew down into their midst. The flowers all clustered round to listen to her magic words. " You are very beautiful," she said, " but to-day I have brought to each of you a gift, so that when you go away into the gardens, you will be prized not only for your beauty but your sweetness as well." Gently the flowers swayed in the breeze, each bending to receive her gift.

Slowly over each beautiful blossom the Fairy Queen waved her wand, as to each flower she gave a sweet perfume. '"There now," she said. " I have made you perfect, see that you prize this gift and. always fill the air around with your fragrance." , The flowers were all so glad and proud and thanked their Queen for her goodness. Alas! As she turned to leave them, she looked down, and there at her feet in a!! their velvety loveliness waited the pansies. In astonishment she gazed down at them.

"Oh! You poor little dears!" she said. " What am Ito do? I have given all the beautiful scent away, and have not any left for you ! You are such quiet little things, I shouldn't have missed you for worlds. But stay, I will return soon. Perhaps I can find another gift for you." Saying this she spread her dainty wings and flew off, lighter than thistledown. Very soon she was back again, and stooping she whispered to each one. "I have gathered all the beautiful thoughts from the world, s.ll the love and kindness, and you may have it all." At that all the dear little pansies looked up and immediately their velvety faces became .full of expression, as they happily thanked their Queen. And that why to day the nansies are the only flowers which have faces.