THE EASTER GIFT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21467, 15 April 1933, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE EASTER GIFT

By GWEN SOAK (age 15), Piriaktv Nine-years-old Elizabeth sat on a mossy bank dangling her little feet in the clear water below. She was an only child and lived on a big farm. Elizabeth often wished and longed for a companion, and although she was companionless she made the most of her lonely timo, and playhours nearly always found her by " The Dell." It was delicious to wash your hot feet in the gleaming, cool stream and he on the mossy bank out of the glare of the sun. " Oh, dear," said Elizabeth, " it won't bo nearly as nice this year, but there, I mustn't grumble. You aro getting spoilt Elizabeth Brown." Every Easter Mr. Brown gave his daughter a surprise; but this year ho had had bad luck with the fires and times were hard, so Elizabeth knew in her own little heart that it wouldn't be a big surprise—not like last Easter. That beautiful big egg, nothing could beat it, "and dad might even forget—better if it were only a little surprise than daddy forget! It was night and a white-clad figure knelt by the open window and watched the twinkling stars overhead. Fleecy clouds partly obscured a misty moojn and the occasional hoot of an owl was all that broke the solemn stillness. The small shoulders shook with suppressed sobs. " Oh. daddy's forgotten." Tired, weary and disappointed, she crept back to her bed, and worn out, with the long day she fell into a peaceful sleep. " Elizabeth, wake up." Elizabeth raised her eyelids and gaxed into her fther's face. " Don't you remember, dear—your surprise. It is Easter." Elizabeth's face lit up and she threw her arms round her father's neck. "You haven't forgotten after all then." " Come on; I will show you your surprise. Go quietly now." "Wondering the cause for quietness she stepped lightly, following her father down the passage and into her mother's room. The blinds were drawn and quietness reigned supreme. Before Elizabeth knew what had happened a soft bundle was placed into her arms. " A baby," Elizabeth said, in surprise. " Yes, dear," replied her mother, " a baby sister—a companion for you." "Itas the best Easter surprise I have ever had," said Elizabeth, as she kissed the new arrival tenderly and returned it to tho arms of her proud father.