TALES BEFORE BEDTIME.

Waikato Times, Volume 102, Issue 17008, 22 January 1927, Page 14 (Supplement)

TALES BEFORE BEDTIME.

THE MAKE-BELIEVE PRINCE. Midget hunted through an old trunk in the attic for three feathers that were absolutely necessary to wear in her hair, if sire w r ere to attend the Prince’s ball. Swish, swash, this way, that way, went the contents of the trunk under her excited Angers.

Then, suddenly, she heard three resounding knocks on the door downstairs: Midge stood stock still, and the faded pink gown of ancient design that she had thrown over her shoulders slipped to the Aoor. Knock, knock, knock! They' had a royal sound to her. Maybe, maybe it was the King’s footman came to take her to the ball! Oh, goody! Her eyes twinkled and her feet danced, as she hurried down the stairs.

She hesitated a moment in the living room. It sounded a good deal like Peter Crane’s knock. - If it was that hoy next door —:

Midge opened the door. It was Peter! The sparkle died out of her eyes, her mouth drooped. ‘ “Hello, Midge!” began Peter in his hearty w T ay. “But what’s the matter?” he continued at sight of the little girl’s crestfallen face. "Only that I thought you were the King's footman and had come to take me to the ball.”

It was Peter’s turn now to look crestfallen. “Oh!” lie said in dismay. Then he brightened and added with a laugh: “The King’s footman? I guess not. Why, lam the Prince himself 1” “OOOO!” stammered Midge, and the Whispering Voices began in her heart. “Come in, Prince. I’m not quite ready, because I can’t And the three feathers for my hair.”

The Prince entered awkwardly, that is awkwardly for the Prince, but quite naturally for Peter. “Guess I’ll go back to the royal stables and get the coach,” .he said, giving his cap a twirl in the air. “Yes, do! Then maybe I’ll he ready.” Oh, what fun! Midge climbed the attic stairs once more. She would get all dressed up in that pink gown. “It’s a perfect ball dress,” she'said, as she slipped it over her shoulders. “Now, my train.” She draped an old lacc curtain over her dress. ‘lm so happy I’m nearly bursting,” she murmured to herself. _ She trailed down the stairs, and spread out her train on the livingroom Aoor. There was a rattling noise on the walk outside. Midge rushed to the door. “I open to greet thee,”, she said, and her voice quivered with excitement. , . , There stood Peter, a long turkey feather in' his cap, and three white chicken feathers in his hand. “Oh, oh!” gasped Midge. “The King’s orders are that you wear these in your hair,” said Peter, and he Aourished them before her. Midge thrilled with delight. Peter was a wonderful friend. He just Atted into her World of Make Believe. She took the quills so snowy white and tucked them into the pink band she had tied around her head. _ Peter doffed his cap with a royal sweep of his arm and held open the door. Midge sailed through it She knew -it wasn’t walking, because her feet seemed hardly to touch the ground. Her long dress and tram trailed beautifully behind her. And the royal coach! It had the "■encral lines of Peter’s old express waggon, but to Midge and Peter it was a gorgeous coach ornamented in gold, and its trimmings looked like frosted la< Mldge gathered up her train and got into it. Peter picked up the handle. “We go ” he said, and Midge almost "iggled with delight over his regal airs, “we go to attend the Princes hall!”