CARROTS AND FRECKLES.

Otago Witness, Issue 4042, 1 September 1931, Page 70

CARROTS AND FRECKLES.

By

Morwenna.

Against the side of the old outhouse over which the honeysuckle grew’ in wild profusion, a ladder was propped, and on top of the outhouse, w’ith her feet resting on the ladder, sat Fix, the breeze playfully tossing her red-gold curls. Pix had been ill, and the doctor had ordered her away. She must have a change, he had said, “Go right away at once, for three months at least.” So one fine spring morning she set out, and before night had arrived at Aunt Jane’s house in the country. Aunt Jane was very pleased to have her, and gave her a warm welcome. Pix liked the country, and life was full of interest at Aunt Jane’s. There were horses and cows, pigs, and little chickens. A dear old sheep dog named Barry, that followed her everywhere. They had some great times together. Then -there was Susannah. Susannah was an enormous ginger cat (much spoiled by everyone) wnd some kittens. A cook who made the

most perfect cakes and scones, and Jessie, the rosy-cheeked girl who helped in the house. Everyone was kind and thoughtful to her, and it was an utterly changed Pix who sat on the old outhouse nursing her knees. She had regained her lost appetite, her eyes shone, and her face was getting quite plump. Yes, Pix liked the country. Everything was so pleasant and delightful, the birds sang, and the creek danced and laughed as it rippled over the stones, and what fun it was to watch the apple-blossom fluttering like fairy snowflakes in

“Hallo, Carrots!” Pi.x turned with a start, and looked down into the nextdoor garden. There she saw a boy about her own age. He had tumbled brown hair, ami roguish eyes, and a face crowded with freckles, and he wag grinning up at her in a most impudent way. Now Pix was a sweet-tempered little person, but she hated to be called “ Carrots.”

“ You’re an ill-mannered, horrid boy,’’ she declared angrily, “ the very rudest boy I’ve ever come across.”

“ Gawn, you’re a silly kid, that’s what you are. Carrots.” a

Pix gasped. Never in all her life had anyone addressed her so. “ I’d rather have carrots than freckles,” she flashed. “ Gawn, if I had a carroty mop like yours I’d dye it,” he retorted. Fix’s hands clenched, and hot words rose to her lips, but she choked them back. Hastily descending the ladder, she ran back to the house, with the hateful “ Carrots, Carrots,” ringing in her ears like a trumpet. When she reached the kitchen she told Jessie, all about it. Jessie was indignant, and said he was a cheeky young imp, and gave her a piece of cake. After lunch some visitors came who stayed for the remainder of the day, and Pix forgot all about Freckles. For the next two or three days the weather was very rough, so she had to stay indoors. In the pleasant sittingroom a log fire roared up the chimney, and in the cosy armchair she would curl herself up with a book, whilst on the hearthrug lav Susannah, the kittens climbing and tumbling all over her. And then came a day of brilliant sunshine that coaxed Fix up the ladder to her favourite perch on the old outhouse. She had iust seated herself when she heard movements in the next-door garden. A lovely dog came bounding round a bush, and running round after the dog came “ Freckles.” His head' was hatless, and the sun shone down on his face, making it more freckled than ever. He stood and stared at her f or a moment, then he grinned—the grin that had so provoked her before. She felt horribly annoyed, but her swift sunshiny smile peeped out, and she said “ Good morning.” “ Good morning,” he answered. Then, “What’s your name?” “ Carrots,” she promptly replied. “ What’s yours ? ” , “ Freckles,” he said, and they both laughed merrily. There followed a tiny pause. “Do you like dogs?” he asked suddenly. Fix’s eyes lighted up. “ Oh, yes,” she cried. “Well, if you’d care to come in I’d show you the pups.” “Do you really mean it? I’d love to,” exclaimed Pix delightedly. “Hurrah!” he shouted jubilantly. “ Come along.” Pix sprang to her feet on top of the shed, then, swinging herself over the side, she scrambled down the honeysuckle and alighted beside him. She had scratched her arm, making it bleed, but she only dabbed it with her handkerchief and said it was nothing. “ Freckles ” was amazed. He thought all girls squealed at the mere sight of blood. Putting out his hand, he grasped hers. “ Let’s run,” he said, and off they ran helter-skelter towards the bitrn, with the dog in hot pursuit. It was two hours later when Pix descended the ladder into her aunt’s garden. “ He’s nice, and I’m sure we’re going to be pals, even if he has got freckles,” she told herself. “ Freckles ” made his way back to the house, thinking of Pix. He admired her greatly. She’s a real little sport, with plenty ,of pluck,” he said to himself, “ an’ I guess that more’n makes up for having ‘ carrots.’ ” —An exchange.