Betty’s Visit To The Moon Fairies

Southland Times, Issue 21850, 29 October 1932, Page 18

Betty’s Visit To The Moon Fairies

One night, when all was still, and nothing but the mournful hooting of the owls broke the silence, Betty woke to find the moon shining brightly in her bedroom. A silvery path, like an undulating ribbon, spread across the floor, while what was that? Surely Betty Craig was dreaming! In the centre of that bright patch stood a little fairy arrayed in beautiful colours. In her hand she held a wand while on her golden hair gleamed a star. She approached Betty, and said, “Would you like to visit the moon? I am a moon fairy and came to earth by my ladder. Look!” She pointed to the shaft, and looking closely, Betty saw that it extended to the moon. “Oh!” the little girl gasped, “I’d love to visit that lovely silver moon.” “Come along then,” cried the fairy, and Betty was led through the window to the red rose bush slumbering innocently, and, there was a tiny silver plane. “Jump in,” cried her guide, and, to her surprise she found herself growing smaller and smaller, until she was no bigger - than the fairy. Betty climbed into the plane and soon they were skimming swiftly through space. As Betty saw the earth become a mere speck in the distance, the thrill of adventure was upon her. All around them gleamed stars, which, you know, are really fairy diamonds. They halted at a dazzling silver ball. This was the moon. In the side of this globe were huge gates, through which they entered. A beautiful marble palace, studded with prescious stones, met Betty’s raptured gaze. “Oh!” she said, “I thought the moon was made of green cheese.” At this, some mischievous little elves standing near, laughed, and Betty felt very embarrassed. She was led into a spacious hall where on beautiful, polished tables, a wonderful feast was spread. Seated on a golden throne at the head of the largest table was the daintiest person Betty had ever met. She was clad in clouds of filmy blue, which, she said, were made of spangled dewdrops. Her golden hair, which seemed aglow, fell in graceful ringlets to tiny feet shod in silver slippers. She extended a tiny, white hand to Betty, and said in a voice of tinkling bells: “Welcome to the palace of the moon fairies, dear mortal. Pray be seated.” As she spoke, she waved a small silver wand, and immediately the room was filled with merry fairies dressed in colours more beautiful than any on earth. They partook of the delicious food, and afterwards Betty was taken to a beautiful dancing hall. They danced on a floor of polished glass, and when she was informed that it was nearly sunrise she was loth to depart. Amid entreaties to come again, she bade goodbye to her tiny friends and soon, with her small guide, she was skimming back to earth. “Goodbye,” cried the fairy as they landed under the sleeping rose bush. “Goodbye,” Betty answered, but on looking round, she beheld no one, In the distance, a cock crew, and she was startled to hear a voice cry, “Betty, what a fright you gave me! Whatever are you doing outside at this hour? Go inside or you will catch cold.” “Oh mother,” Betty replied, “I’ve had such a lovely time with the moon fairies.” When she had related her experiences, “Rubbish,” cried her practical mamma, “you’ve been dreaming.” But had she?

—Daphne Swift (13), 178 McMaster street, Invercargill.