A FAIRY STORY.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VIII, Issue 44, 31 October 1891, Page 547

A FAIRY STORY.

One hot day, in the middle of September, two children sauntered slowly through a field, at one end of which stood a little cottage. To this they were evidently making their way. The elder, a boy, was carrying a large basket of flowers, while his sister followed carrying more. At last the boy flung himself upon the ground, tired out with his long journey. His sister consented to carry the basket if he would only try and walk home. ‘ Frank, do try and walk,’ she said, imploringly. ‘ I can’t, Mabel, it is so hot,’ replied Frank sleepily. At last (her patience being exhausted), Mabel left him, and walked slowly on, hoping her brother would follow. But Frank was far too tired, and he soon dropped off to sleep. But he did not remain so for long, for a slight rustling behind him caused him to look round, and he beheld a beautiful vision. ‘ Are you a fairy ?’ began Frank, but he stopped, for she advanced slowly towards him, and lifting him in her arms, she flew upwards. When at last she stopped, Frank found himself in a beautiful garden. In the centre a large fountain was flowing, trees bearing all manner of fruit surrounded the garden, and Frank felt a thrill of happiness pass through him. He looked round for the fairy, but she had gone, and he wandered slowly round the garden. ‘ What shall I do now ?’ he questioned himself, for he had been round the garden two or three times, and began to wish for something else to do. A voice broke upon the stillness of the air, and Frank turning to the fountain (from which the sound seemed to come), saw the beautiful fairy standing beside him. ‘ Frank,’ she said, ‘ you may have three wishes, and you must dip your first finger into the water which floweth from the fountain, and wish as you do so.’ Again she vanished, and Frank once more found himself alone ; he advanced to the fountain and dipped his first finger into the water. ‘ I wish I may have some money,’ he said. An exclamation of surprise broke from his lips, as a shower of gold fell to the ground. But he was again disappointed, for there were no shops in the garden. Again he dipped his linger in the water, ‘I wish fora carriage and pair of horses,’he said. A carriage appeared, drawn by two white horses. Into this carriage Frank stepped, and drove about for some time. * I'm tired of this,’he said at last. ‘I ll have my other wish,’ and he went to the fountain. ‘ I wish,’ he said, ‘ that I may go home.' The garden seemed to whirl before him, and he remembered no more until he found himself in his own garden at home. He rubbed his eyes, and said dreamily, ‘ Have I been asleep?' It was getting daik, so he hurried into the house. Everybody said how industrious Frank had grown, and nobody (not even Mabel) knows of his adventures.