Flower Fables......................................................................................................................................................1

Louisa May Alcott...................................................................................................................................1

FLOWER FABLES.................................................................................................................................1

THE FROSTKING: OR, THE POWER OF LOVE. .........................................................................2

EVA'S VISIT TO FAIRYLAND..........................................................................................................9

THE FLOWER'S LESSON...................................................................................................................17

LILYBELL AND THISTLEDOWN. ..................................................................................................19

LITTLE BUD. ........................................................................................................................................34

CLOVERBLOSSOM..........................................................................................................................39

LITTLE ANNIE'S DREAM; OR, THE FAIRY FLOWER................................................................42

RIPPLE, THE WATERSPIRIT. ..........................................................................................................47

FAIRY SONG. .......................................................................................................................................54

THE summer moon shone brightly down upon the sleeping earth, while far away from mortal eyes danced

the Fairy folk. Fireflies hung in bright clusters on the dewy leaves, that waved in the cool nightwind; and

the flowers stood gazing, in very wonder, at the little Elves, who lay among the fernleaves, swung in the

vineboughs, sailed on the lake in lily cups, or danced on the mossy ground, to the music of the harebells,

Under the shade of a wild rose sat the Queen and her little Maids of Honor, beside the silvery mushroom

"Now, my friends," said she, "to wile away the time till the bright moon goes down, let us each tell a tale, or

relate what we have done or learned this day. I will begin with you, Sunny Lock," added she, turning to a

THREE little Fairies sat in the fields eating their breakfast; each among the leaves of her favorite flower,

The morning wind gently rocked them to and fro, and the sun shone warmly down upon the dewy grass,

where butterflies spread their gay wings, and bees with their deep voices sung among the flowers; while the

On a silvery mushroom was spread the breakfast; little cakes of flowerdust lay on a broad green leaf, beside

a crimson strawberry, which, with sugar from the violet, and cream from the yellow milkweed, made a fairy

"Ah me," sighed Primrose, throwing herself languidly back, "how warm the sun grows! give me another

piece of strawberry, and then I must hasten away to the shadow of the ferns. But while I eat, tell me, dear

Violet, why are you all so sad? I have scarce seen a happy face since my return from Rose Land; dear friend,

"I will tell you," replied little Violet, the tears gathering in her soft eyes. "Our good Queen is ever striving to

keep the dear flowers from the power of the cruel FrostKing; many ways she tried, but all have failed. She

has sent messengers to his court with costly gifts; but all have returned sick for want of sunlight, weary and

sad; we have watched over them, heedless of sun or shower, but still his dark spirits do their work, and we are

left to weep over our blighted blossoms. Thus have we striven, and in vain; and this night our Queen holds

council for the last time. Therefore are we sad, dear Primrose, for she has toiled and cared for us, and we can

"It is indeed a cruel thing," replied her friend; "but as we cannot help it, we must suffer patiently, and not let

the sorrows of others disturb our happiness. But, dear sisters, see you not how high the sun is getting? I have

my locks to curl, and my robe to prepare for the evening; therefore I must be gone, or I shall be brown as a

withered leaf in this warm light." So, gathering a tiny mushroom for a parasol, she flew away; Daisy soon

Then she spread the table afresh, and to it came fearlessly the busy ant and bee, gay butterfly and bird; even

the poor blind mole and humble worm were not forgotten; and with gentle words she gave to all, while each

learned something of their kind little teacher; and the love that made her own heart bright shone alike on all.

The ant and bee learned generosity, the butterfly and bird contentment, the mole and worm confidence in the

love of others; and each went to their home better for the little time they had been with Violet.

Evening came, and with it troops of Elves to counsel their good Queen, who, seated on her mossy throne,

looked anxiously upon the throng below, whose glittering wings and rustling robes gleamed like

"Dear children, let us not tire of a good work, hard though it be and wearisome; think of the many little hearts

that in their sorrow look to us for help. What would the green earth be without its lovely flowers, and what a

lonely home for us! Their beauty fills our hearts with brightness, and their love with tender thoughts. Ought

we then to leave them to die uncared for and alone? They give to us their all; ought we not to toil

unceasingly, that they may bloom in peace within their quiet homes? We have tried to gain the love of the

stern FrostKing, but in vain; his heart is hard as his own icy land; no love can melt, no kindness bring it

back to sunlight and to joy. How then may we keep our frail blossoms from his cruel spirits? Who will give

Then a great murmuring arose, and many spoke, some for costlier gifts, some for war; and the fearful

Then sweet music sounded on the air, and the loud tones were hushed, as in wondering silence the Fairies

Through the crowd there came a little form, a wreath of pure white violets lay among the bright locks that fell

so softly round the gentle face, where a deep blush glowed, as, kneeling at the throne, little Violet said:

"Dear Queen, we have bent to the FrostKing's power, we have borne gifts unto his pride, but have we gone

trustingly to him and spoken fearlessly of his evil deeds? Have we shed the soft light of unwearied love

around his cold heart, and with patient tenderness shown him how bright and beautiful love can make even

"Our messengers have gone fearfully, and with cold looks and courtly words offered him rich gifts, things he

"Then let me, the weakest of your band, go to him, trusting in the love I know lies hidden in the coldest heart.

"I will bear only a garland of our fairest flowers; these will I wind about him, and their bright faces, looking

lovingly in his, will bring sweet thoughts to his dark mind, and their soft breath steal in like gentle words.

Then, when he sees them fading on his breast, will he not sigh that there is no warmth there to keep them

fresh and lovely? This will I do, dear Queen, and never leave his dreary home, till the sunlight falls on

Silently the Queen had listened, but now, rising and placing her hand on little Violet's head, she said, turning

to the throng below: "We in our pride and power have erred, while this, the weakest and lowliest of our

subjects, has from the innocence of her own pure heart counselled us more wisely than the noblest of our

train. All who will aid our brave little messenger, lift your wands, that we may know who will place their

Every fairy wand glistened in the air, as with silvery voices they cried, "Love and little Violet."

Then down from the throne, hand in hand, came the Queen and Violet, and till the moon sank did the Fairies

toil, to weave a wreath of the fairest flowers. Tenderly they gathered them, with the nightdew fresh upon

their leaves, and as they wove chanted sweet spells, and whispered fairy blessings on the bright messengers

whom they sent forth to die in a dreary land, that their gentle kindred might bloom unharmed.

At length it was done; and the fair flowers lay glowing in the soft starlight, while beside them stood the

The morning sun looked softly down upon the broad green earth, which like a mighty altar was sending up

clouds of perfume from its breast, while flowers danced gayly in the summer wind, and birds sang their

morning hymn among the cool green leaves. Then high above, on shining wings, soared a little form. The

sunlight rested softly on the silken hair, and the winds fanned lovingly the bright face, and brought the

Thus went Violet through the clear air, and the earth looked smiling up to her, as, with the bright wreath

On and on she went, over hill and valley, broad rivers and rustling woods, till the warm sunlight passed away,

the winds grew cold, and the air thick with falling snow. Then far below she saw the FrostKing's home.

Pillars of hard, gray ice supported the high, arched roof, hung with crystal icicles. Dreary gardens lay around,

filled with withered flowers and bare, drooping trees; while heavy clouds hung low in the dark sky, and a

With a beating heart Violet folded her fading wreath more closely to her breast, and with weary wings flew

Here, before the closed doors, stood many forms with dark faces and harsh, discordant voices, who sternly

Gently she answered, telling them her errand, beseeching them to let her pass ere the cold wind blighted her

Walls of ice, carved with strange figures, were around her; glittering icicles hung from the high roof, and soft,

white snow covered the hard floors. On a throne hung with clouds sat the FrostKing; a crown of crystals

bound his white locks, and a dark mantle wrought with delicate frostwork was folded over his cold breast.

His stern face could not stay little Violet, and on through the long hall she went, heedless of the snow that

gathered on her feet, and the bleak wind that blew around her; while the King with wondering eyes looked on

The flowers, as if they knew their part, unfolded their bright leaves, and poured forth their sweetest perfume,

"O King of blight and sorrow, send me not away till I have brought back the light and joy that will make your

dark home bright and beautiful again. Let me call back to the desolate gardens the fair forms that are gone,

and their soft voices blessing you will bring to your breast a never failing joy. Cast by your icy crown and

"Then will the earth bloom again in all its beauty, and your dim eyes will rest only on fair forms, while music

shall sound through these dreary halls, and the love of grateful hearts be yours. Have pity on the gentle

flowerspirits, and do not doom them to an early death, when they might bloom in fadeless beauty, making

us wiser by their gentle teachings, and the earth brighter by their lovely forms. These fair flowers, with the

prayers of all Fairy Land, I lay before you; O send me not away till they are answered."

And with tears falling thick and fast upon their tender leaves, Violet laid the wreath at his feet, while the

golden light grew ever brighter as it fell upon the little form so humbly kneeling there.

The King's stern face grew milder as he gazed on the gentle Fairy, and the flowers seemed to look

beseechingly upon him; while their fragrant voices sounded softly in his ear, telling of their dying sisters, and

of the joy it gives to bring happiness to the weak and sorrowing. But he drew the dark mantle closer over his

"I cannot grant your prayer, little Fairy; it is my will the flowers should die. Go back to your Queen, and tell

Then Violet hung the wreath above the throne, and with weary foot went forth again, out into the cold, dark

gardens, and still the golden shadows followed her, and wherever they fell, flowers bloomed and green leaves

Then came the FrostSpirits, and beneath their cold wings the flowers died, while the Spirits bore Violet to a

low, dark cell, saying as they left her, that their King was angry that she had dared to stay when he had bid

So all alone she sat, and sad thoughts of her happy home came back to her, and she wept bitterly. But soon

came visions of the gentle flowers dying in their forest homes, and their voices ringing in her ear, imploring

her to save them. Then she wept no longer, but patiently awaited what might come.

Soon the golden light gleamed faintly through the cell, and she heard little voices calling for help, and high

up among the heavy cobwebs hung poor little flies struggling to free themselves, while their cruel enemies sat

With her wand the Fairy broke the bands that held them, tenderly bound up their broken wings, and healed

their wounds; while they lay in the warm light, and feebly hummed their thanks to their kind deliverer.

Then she went to the ugly brown spiders, and in gentle words told them, how in Fairy Land their kindred

spun all the elfin cloth, and in return the Fairies gave them food, and then how happily they lived among the

green leaves, spinning garments for their neigbbors. "And you too," said she, "shall spin for me, and I will

give you better food than helpless insects. You shall live in peace, and spin your delicate threads into a

mantle for the stern King; and I will weave golden threads amid the gray, that when folded over his cold heart

And while she gayly sung, the little weavers spun their silken threads, the flies on glittering wings flew

When the FrostSpirits told their King, he greatly wondered and often stole to look at the sunny little room

where friends and enemies worked peacefully together. Still the light grew brighter, and floated out into the

cold air, where it hung like bright clouds above the dreary gardens, whence all the Spirits' power could not

drive it; and green leaves budded on the naked trees, and flowers bloomed; but the Spirits heaped snow upon

At length the mantle was finished, and amid the gray threads shone golden ones, making it bright; and she

sent it to the King, entreating him to wear it, for it would bring peace and love to dwell within his breast.

But he scornfully threw it aside, and bade his Spirits take her to a colder cell, deep in the earth; and there with

Still she sang gayly on, and the falling drops kept time so musically, that the King in his cold icehalls

Thus Violet dwelt, and each day the golden light grew stronger; and from among the crevices of the rocky

walls came troops of little velvetcoated moles, praying that they might listen to the sweet music, and lie in

"We lead," said they, "a dreary life in the cold earth; the flowerroots are dead, and no soft dews descend for

us to drink, no little seed or leaf can we find. Ah, good Fairy, let us be your servants: give us but a few

And Violet said, Yes; so day after day they labored to make a pathway through the frozen earth, that she

might reach the roots of the withered flowers; and soon, wherever through the dark galleries she went, the

soft light fell upon the roots of flowers, and they with new life spread forth in the warm ground, and forced

fresh sap to the blossoms above. Brightly they bloomed and danced in the soft light, and the FrostSpirits

tried in vain to harm them, for when they came beneath the bright clouds their power to do evil left them.

From his dark castle the King looked out on the happy flowers, who nodded gayly to him, and in sweet colors

strove to tell him of the good little Spirit, who toiled so faithfully below, that they might live. And when he

turned from the brightness without, to his stately palace, it seemcd so cold and dreary, that he folded Violet's

mantle round him, and sat beneath the faded wreath upon his icecarved throne, wondering at the strange

warmth that came from it; till at length he bade his Spirits bring the little Fairy from her dismal prison.

Soon they came hastening back, and prayed him to come and see how lovely the dark cell had grown. The

rough floor was spread with deep green moss, and over wall and roof grew flowery vines, filling the air with

their sweet breath; while above played the clear, soft light, casting rosy shadows on the glittering drops that

lay among the fragrant leaves; and beneath the vines stood Violet, casting crumbs to the downy little moles

When the old King saw how much fairer she had made the dreary cell than his palace rooms, gentle thoughts

within whispered him to grant her prayer, and let the little Fairy go back to her friends and home; but the

FrostSpirits breathed upon the flowers and bid him see how frail they were, and useless to a King. Then the

With a sad farewell to her little friends she followed him, and before the throne awaited his command. When

the King saw how pale and sad the gentle face had grown, how thin her robe, and weak her wings, and yet

how lovingly the golden shadows fell around her and brightened as they lay upon the wand, which, guided by

patient love, had made his once desolate home so bright, he could not be cruel to the one who had done so

"Little Fairy, I offer you two things, and you may choose between them. If I will vow never more to harm the

flowers you may love, will you go back to your own people and leave me and my Spirits to work our will on

all the other flowers that bloom? The earth is broad, and we can find them in any land, then why should you

"Ah!" answered Violet sadly, "do you not know that beneath the flowers' bright leaves there beats a little

heart that loves and sorrows like our own? And can I, heedless of their beauty, doom them to pain and grief,

that I might save my own dear blossoms from the cruel foes to which I leave them? Ah no! sooner would I

dwell for ever in your darkest cell, than lose the love of those warm, trusting hearts."

"Then listen," said the King, "to the task I give you. You shall raise up for me a palace fairer than this, and if

you can work that miracle I will grant your prayer or lose my kingly crown. And now go forth, and begin

your task; my Spirits shall not harm you, and I will wait till it is done before I blight another flower."

Then out into the gardens went Violet with a heavy heart; for she had toiled so long, her strength was nearly

gone. But the flowers whispered their gratitude, and folded their leaves as if they blessed her; and when she

saw the garden filled with loving friends, who strove to cheer and thank her for her care, courage and strength

returned; and raising up thick clouds of mist, that hid her from the wondering flowers, alone and trustingly

As time went by, the FrostKing feared the task had been too hard for the Fairy; sounds were heard behind

the walls of mist, bright shadows seen to pass within, but the little voice was never heard. Meanwhile the

golden light had faded from the garden, the flowers bowed their heads, and all was dark and cold as when the

And to the stern King his home seemed more desolate and sad; for he missed the warm light, the happy

flowers, and, more than all, the gay voice and bright face of little Violet. So he wandered through his dreary

palace, wondering how he had been content to live before without sunlight and love.

And little Violet was mourned as dead in FairyLand, and many tears were shed, for the gentle Fairy was

beloved by all, from the Queen down to the humblest flower. Sadly they watched over every bird and

blossom which she had loved, and strove to be like her in kindly words and deeds. They wore cypress

Thus they dwelt in deepest sorrow, till one day there came to them an unknown messenger, wrapped in a dark

mantle, who looked with wondering eyes on the bright palace, and flowercrowned elves, who kindly

welcomed him, and brought fresh dew and rosy fruit to refresh the weary stranger. Then he told them that he

came from the FrostKing, who begged the Queen and all her subjects to come and see the palace little

Violet had built; for the veil of mist would soon be withdrawn, and as she could not make a fairer home than

the icecastle, the King wished her kindred near to comfort and to bear her home. And while the Elves wept,

he told them how patiently she had toiled, how her fadeless love had made the dark cell bright and beautiful.

These and many other things he told them; for little Violet had won the love of many of the FrostSpirits, and

even when they killed the flowers she had toiled so hard to bring to life and beauty, she spoke gentle words to

them, and sought to teach them how beautiful is love. Long stayed the messenger, and deeper grew his

wonder that the Fairy could have left so fair a home, to toil in the dreary palace of his cruel master, and suffer

cold and weariness, to give life and joy to the weak and sorrowing. When the Elves had promised they would

At last the time arrived, and out in his barren garden, under a canopy of dark clouds, sat the FrostKing

before the misty wall, behind which were heard low, sweet sounds, as of rustling trees and warbling birds.

Soon through the air came manycolored troops of Elves. First the Queen, known by the silver lilies on her

snowy robe and the bright crown in her hair, beside whom fIew a band of Elves in crimson and gold, making

sweet music on their flowertrumpets, while all around, with smiling faces and bright eyes, fluttered her

On they came, like a flock of brilliant butterflies, their shining wings and manycolored garments sparkling

in the dim air; and soon the leafless trees were gay with living flowers, and their sweet voices filled the

gardens with music. Like his subjects, the King looked on the lovely Elves, and no longer wondered that little

Violet wept and longed for her home. Darker and more desolate seemed his stately home, and when the

At length a warm wind swept through the gardens, and the mistclouds passed away, while in silent wonder

Far as eye could reach were tall green trees whose drooping boughs made graceful arches, through which the

golden light shone softly, making bright shadows on the deep green moss below, where the fairest flowers

waved in the cool wind, and sang, in their low, sweet voices, how beautiful is Love.

Flowering vines folded their soft leaves around the trees, making green pillars of their rough trunks.

Fountains threw their bright waters to the roof, and flocks of silverwinged birds flew singing among the

flowers, or brooded lovingly above their nests. Doves with gentle eyes cooed among the green leaves,

snowwhite clouds floated in the sunny shy, and the golden light, brighter than before, shone softly down.

Soon through the long aisles came Violet, flowers and green leaves rustling as she passed. On she went to the

FrostKing's throne, bearing two crowns, one of sparkling icicles, the other of pure white lilies, and kneeling

"My task is done, and, thanks to the Spirits of earth and air, I have made as fair a home as Elfin hands can

form. You must now decide. Will you be King of FlowerLand, and own my gentle kindred for your loving

friends? Will you possess unfading peace and joy, and the grateful love of all the green earth's fragrant

children? Then take this crown of flowers. But if you can find no pleasure here, go back to your own cold

home, and dwell in solitude and darkness, where no ray of sunlight or of joy can enter.

"Send forth your Spirits to carry sorrow and desolation over the happy earth, and win for yourself the fear and

hatred of those who would so gladly love and reverence you. Then take this glittering crown, hard and cold as

your own heart will be, if you will shut out all that is bright and beautiful. Both are before you. Choose."

The old King looked at the little Fairy, and saw how lovingly the bright shadows gathered round her, as if to

shield her from every harm; the timid birds nestled in her bosom, and the flowers grew fairer as she looked

upon them; while her gentle friends, with tears in their bright eyes, folded their hands beseechingly, and

Kind thought came thronging to his mind, and he turned to look at the two palaces. Violet's, so fair and

beautiful, with its rustling trees, calm, sunny skies, and happy birds and flowers, all created by her patient

love and care. His own, so cold and dark and dreary, his empty gardens where no flowers could bloom, no

green trees dwell, or gay birds sing, all desolate and dim;and while he gazed, his own Spirits, casting off

their dark mantles, knelt before him and besought him not to send them forth to blight the things the gentle

Fairies loved so much. "We have served you long and faithfully," said they, "give us now our freedom, that

we may learn to be beloved by the sweet flowers we have harmed so long. Grant the little Fairy's prayer; and

let her go back to her own dear home. She has taught us that Love is mightier than Fear. Choose the Flower

Then, amid a burst of wild, sweet music, the FrostKing placed the Flower crown on his head, and knelt to

little Violet; while far and near, over the broad green earth, sounded the voices of flowers, singing their

thanks to the gentle Fairy, and the summer wind was laden with perfumes, which they sent as tokens of their

gratitude; and wherever she went, old trees bent down to fold their slender branches round her, flowers laid

their soft faces against her own, and whispered blessings; even the humble moss bent over the little feet, and

The old King, surrounded by the happy Fairies, sat in Violet's lovely home, and watched his icy castle melt

away beneath the bright sunlight; while his Spirits, cold and gloomy no longer, danced with the Elves, and

waited on their King with loving eagerness. Brighter grew the golden light, gayer sang the birds, and the

harmonious voices of grateful flowers, sounding over the earth, carried new joy to all their gentle kindred.

As Sunny Lock ceased, another little Elf came forward; and this was the tale "Silver Wing" told.

DOWN among the grass and fragrant clover lay little Eva by the brookside, watching the bright waves, as

they went singing by under the drooping flowers that grew on its banks. As she was wondering where the

waters went, she heard a faint, low sound, as of faroff music. She thought it was the wind, but not a leaf was

It was a lily of the valley, whose tall stem formed the mast, while the broad leaves that rose from the roots,

and drooped again till they reached the water, were filled with gay little Elves, who danced to the music of

the silver lilybells above, that rang a merry peal, and filled the air with their fragrant breath.

On came the fairy boat, till it reached a mossgrown rock; and here it stopped, while the Fairies rested

Eva looked with wonder on their gay faces and bright garments, and in the joy of her heart sang too, and

They looked kindly on the child, and, after whispering long among themselves, two little brighteyed Elves

flew over the shining water, and, lighting on the cloverblossoms, said gently, "Little maiden, many thanks

for your kindness; and our Queen bids us ask if you will go with us to FairyLand, and learn what we can

"Gladly would I go with you, dear Fairies," said Eva, "but I cannot sail in your little boat. See! I can hold you

in my hand, and could not live among you without harming your tiny kingdom, I am so large."

Then the Elves laughed gayly, as they folded their arms about her, saying, "You are a good child, dear Eva, to

fear doing harm to those weaker than yourself. You cannot hurt us now. Look in the water and see what we

Eva looked into the brook, and saw a tiny child standing between the Elves. "Now I can go with you," said

she, "but see, I can no longer step from the bank to yonder stone, for the brook seems now like a great river,

But the Fairies took each a hand, and flew lightly over the stream. The Queen and her subjects came to meet

her, and all seemed glad to say some kindly word of welcome to the little stranger. They placed a

flowercrown upon her head, laid their soft faces against her own, and soon it seemed as if the gentle Elves

Then there was a great bustle, as they flew about on shining wings, some laying cushions of violet leaves in

the boat, others folding the Queen's veil and mantle more closely round her, lest the falling dews should chill

The cool waves' gentle plashing against the boat, and the sweet chime of the lilybells, lulled little Eva to

sleep, and when she woke it was in FairyLand. A faint, rosy light, as of the setting sun, shone on the white

pillars of the Queen's palace as they passed in, and the sleeping flowers leaned gracefully on their stems,

dreaming beneath their soft green curtains. All was cool and still, and the Elves glided silently about, lest

they should break their slumbers. They led Eva to a bed of pure white leaves, above which drooped the

"You can look at the bright colors till the light fades, and then the rose will sing you to sleep," said the Elves,

Long she lay watching the bright shadows, and listening to the song of the rose, while through the long night

dreams of lovely things floated like bright clouds through her mind; while the rose bent lovingly above her,

With the sun rose the Fairies, and, with Eva, hastened away to the fountain, whose cool waters were soon

filled with little forms, and the air ringing with happy voices, as the Elves floated in the blue waves among

the fair white lilies, or sat on the green moss, smoothing their bright locks, and wearing fresh garlands of

dewy flowers. At length the Queen came forth, and her subjects gathered round her, and while the flowers

bowed their heads, and the trees hushed their rustling, the Fairies sang their morning hymn to the Father of

Then they flew away to the gardens, and soon, high up among the treetops, or under the broad leaves, sat the

Elves in little groups, taking their breakfast of fruit and pure fresh dew; while the brightwinged birds came

fearlessly among them, pecking the same ripe berries, and dipping their little beaks in the same flowercups,

and the Fairies folded their arms lovingly about them, smoothed their soft bosoms, and gayly sang to them.

"Now, little Eva," said they, "you will see that Fairies are not idle, wilful Spirits, as mortals believe. Come,

They led her to a lovely room, through whose walls of deep green leaves the light stole softly in. Here lay

many wounded insects, and harmless little creatures, whom cruel hands had hurt; and pale, drooping flowers

grew beside urns of healing herbs, from whose fresh leaves came a faint, sweet perfume.

Eva wondered, but silently followed her guide, little RoseLeaf, who with tender words passed among the

delicate blossoms, pouring dew on their feeble roots, cheering them with her loving words and happy smile.

Then she went to the insects; first to a little fly who lay in a flowerleaf cradle.

"Do you suffer much, dear GauzyWing?" asked the Fairy. "I will bind up your poor little leg, and Zephyr

shall rock you to sleep." So she folded the cool leaves tenderly about the poor fly, bathed his wings, and

brought him refreshing drink, while he hummed his thanks, and forgot his pain, as Zephyr softly sung and

They passed on, and Eva saw beside each bed a Fairy, who with gentle hands and loving words soothed the

suffering insects. At length they stopped beside a bee, who lay among sweet honeysuckle flowers, in a cool,

still place, where the summer wind blew in, and the green leaves rustled pleasantly. Yet he seemed to find no

rest, and murmured of the pain he was doomed to bear. " Why must I lie here, while my kindred are out in the

pleasant fields, enjoying the sunlight and the fresh air, and cruel hands have doomed me to this dark place

and bitter pain when I have done no wrong? Uncared for and forgotten, I must stay here among these poor

things who think only of themselves. Come here, RoseLeaf, and bind up my wounds, for I am far more

"LoveBlossom, you should not murmur. We may find happiness in seeking to be patient even while we

suffer. You are not forgotten or uncared for, but others need our care more than you, and to those who take

cheerfully the pain and sorrow sent, do we most gladly give our help. You need not be idle, even though lying

here in darkness and sorrow; you can be taking from your heart all sad and discontented feelings, and if love

and patience blossom there, you will be better for the lonely hours spent here. Look on the bed beside you;

this little dove has suffered far greater pain than you, and all our care can never ease it; yet through the long

days he hath lain here, not an unkind word or a repining sigh hath he uttered. Ah, LoveBlossom, the gentle

Then a faint voice whispered, "Little RoseLeaf, come quickly, or I cannot thank you as I ought for all your

So they passed to the bed beside the discontented bee, and here upon the softest down lay the dove, whose

gentle eyes looked gratefully upon the Fairy, as she knelt beside the little couch, smoothed the soft white

bosom, folded her arms about it and wept sorrowing tears, while the bird still whispered its gratitude and

"Dear Fairy, the fairest flowers have cheered me with their sweet breath, fresh dew and fragrant leaves have

been ever ready for me, gentle hands to tend, kindly hearts to love; and for this I can only thank you and say

Then the quivering wings were still, and the patient little dove was dead; but the bee murmured no longer,

Sadly RoseLeaf led Eva away, saying, "LilyBosom shall have a grave tonight beneath our fairest

blossoms, and you shall see that gentleness and love are prized far above gold or beauty, here in FairyLand.

Beneath green arches, bright with birds and flowers, beside singing waves, went Eva into a lofty hall. The

roof of pure white lilies rested on pillars of green clustering vines, while manycolored blossoms threw their

bright shadows on the walls, as they danced below in the deep green moss, and their low, sweet voices

Beside the throne stood Eva, and watched the lovely forms around her, as they stood, each little band in its

Suddenly the music grew louder and sweeter, and the Fairies knelt, and bowed their heads, as on through the

crowd of loving subjects came the Queen, while the air was filled with gay voices singing to welcome her.

She placed the child beside her, saying, "Little Eva, you shall see now how the flowers on your great earth

bloom so brightly. A band of loving little gardeners go daily forth from FairyLand, to tend and watch them,

that no harm may befall the gentle spirits that dwell beneath their leaves. This is never known, for like all

good it is unseen by mortal eyes, and unto only pure hearts like yours do we make known our secret. The

humblest flower that grows is visited by our messengers, and often blooms in fragrant beauty unknown,

unloved by all save Fairy friends, who seek to fill the spirits with all sweet and gentle virtues, that they may

not be useless on the earth; for the noblest mortals stoop to learn of flowers. Now, Eglantine, what have you

From a group of Elves, whose rosewreathed wands showed the flower they loved, came one bearing a tiny

"Over hill and valley they are blooming fresh and fair as summer sun and dew can make them. No drooping

stem or withered leaf tells of any evil thought within their fragrant bosoms, and thus from the fairest of their

race have they gathered this sweet dew, as a token of their gratitude to one whose tenderness and care have

kept them pure and happy; and this, the loveliest of their sisters, have I brought to place among the Fairy

Eglantine laid the urn before the Queen, and placed the fragrant rose on the dewy moss beside the throne,

while a murmur of approval went through the hall, as each elfin wand waved to the little Fairy who had toiled

Then came forth an Elf bearing a withered leaf, while her manycolored robe and the purple tulips in her hair

"Dear Queen," she sadly said, "I would gladly bring as pleasant tidings as my sister, but, alas! my flowers are

proud and wilful, and when I went to gather my little gift of colored leaves for royal garments, they bade me

bring this withered blossom, and tell you they would serve no longer one who will not make them Queen

over all the other flowers. They would yield neither dew nor honey, but proudly closed their leaves and bid

"Your task has been too hard for you," said the Queen kindly, as she placed the drooping flower in the urn

Eglantine had given, "you will see how this dew from a sweet, pure heart will give new life and loveliness

even to this poor faded one. So can you, dear Rainbow, by loving words and gentle teachings, bring back lost

purity and peace to those whom pride and selfishness have blighted. Go once again to the proud flowers, and

tell them when they are queen of their own hearts they will ask no fairer kingdom. Watch more tenderly than

ever over them, see that they lack neither dew nor air, speak lovingly to them, and let no unkind word or deed

of theirs anger you. Let them see by your patient love and care how much fairer they might be, and when next

Thus they told what they had done, and received from their Queen some gentle chiding or loving word of

"You will be weary of this," said little RoseLeaf to Eva; "come now and see where we are taught to read the

tales written on flower leaves, and the sweet language of the birds, and all that can make a Fairy heart wiser

Then into a cheerful place they went, where were many groups of flowers, among whose leaves sat the child

Elves, and learned from their flowerbooks all that Fairy hands had written there. Some studied how to watch

the tender buds, when to spread them to the sunlight, and when to shelter them from rain; how to guard the

ripening seeds, and when to lay them in the warm earth or send them on the summer wind to far off hills and

valleys, where other Fairy hands would tend and cherish them, till a sisterhood of happy flowers sprang up to

beautify and gladden the lonely spot where they had fallen. Others learned to heal the wounded insects,

whose frail limbs a breeze could shatter, and who, were it not for Fairy hands, would die ere half their happy

summer life had gone. Some learned how by pleasant dreams to cheer and comfort mortal hearts, by

whispered words bf love to save from evil deeds those who had gone astray, to fill young hearts with gentle

thoughts and pure affections, that no sin might mar the beauty of the human flower; while others, like mortal

children, learned the Fairy alphabet. Thus the Elves made loving friends by care and love, and no evil thing

could harm them, for those they helped to cherish and protect ever watched to shield and save them.

Eva nodded to the gay little ones, as they peeped from among the leaves at the stranger, and then she listened

to the Fairy lessons. Several tiny Elves stood on a broad leaf while the teacher sat among the petals of a

flower that bent beside them, and asked questions that none but Fairies would care to know.

"Twinkle, if there lay nine seeds within a flowercup and the wind bore five away, how many would the

"Rosebud, if a Cowslip opens three leaves in one day and four the next, how many rosy leaves will there be

"Harebell, if a silkworm spin one yard of Fairy cloth in an hour, how many will it spin in a day?"

"On the north by Ferndale, south by Sunny Wave River, east by the hill of Morning Clouds, and west by the

"Now, little ones," said the teacher, "you may go to your painting, that our visitor may see how we repair the

Then Eva saw how, on large, white leaves, the Fairies learned to imitate the lovely colors, and with tiny

brushes to brighten the blush on the anemone's cheek, to deepen the blue of the violet's eye, and add new light

"You have stayed long enough," said the Elves at length, "we have many things to show you. Come now and

So Eva said farewell to the child Elves, and hastened with little RoseLeaf to the gates. Here she saw many

bands of Fairies, folded in dark mantles that mortals might not know them, who, with the child among them,

flew away over hill and valley. Some went to the cottages amid the hills, some to the seaside to watch above

the humble fisher folks; but little RoseLeaf and many others went into the noisy city.

Eva wondered within herself what good the tiny Elves could do in this great place; but she soon learned, for

the Fairy band went among the poor and friendless, bringing pleasant dreams to the sick and old, sweet,

tender thoughts of love and gentleness to the young, strength to the weak, and patient cheerfulness to the poor

Then the child wondered no longer, but deeper grew her love for the tenderhearted Elves, who left their own

happy home to cheer and comfort those who never knew what hands had clothed and fed them, what hearts

Long they stayed, and many a lesson little Eva learned: but when she begged them to go back, they still led

her on, saying, "Our work is not yet done; shall we leave so many sad hearts when we may cheer them, so

many dark homes that we may brighten? We must stay yet longer, little Eva, and you may learn yet more."

Then they went into a dark and lonely room, and here they found a pale, sadeyed child, who wept bitter

"Ah," sighed the little one, "it was my only friend, and I cherished it with all my lone heart's love; 't was all

Tenderly the child fastened the drooping stem, and placed it where the one faint ray of sunlight stole into the

"Do you see," said the Elves, "through this simple flower will we keep the child pure and stainless amid the

sin and sorrow around her. The love of this shall lead her on through temptation and through grief, and she

And with busy love toiled the Elves amid the withered leaves, and new strength was given to the flower;

while, as day by day the friendless child watered the growing buds, deeper grew her love for the unseen

friends who had given her one thing to cherish in her lonely home; sweet, gentle thoughts filled her heart as

she bent above it, and the blossom's fragrant breath was to her a whispered voice of all fair and lovely things;

The loving Elves brought her sweet dreams by night, and happy thoughts by day, and as she grew in childlike

beauty, pure and patient amid poverty and sorrow, the sinful were rebuked, sorrowing hearts grew light, and

the weak and selfish forgot their idle fears, when they saw her trustingly live on with none to aid or comfort

her. The love she bore the tender flower kept her own heart innocent and bright, and the pure human flower

was a lesson to those who looked upon it; and soon the gloomy house was bright with happy hearts, that

learned of the gentle child to bear poverty and grief as she had done, to forgive those who brought care and

"Our work is done," whispered the Elves, and with blessings on the two fair flowers, they flew away to other

homes;to a blind old man who dwelt alone with none to love him, till through long years of darkness and

of silent sorrow the heart within had grown dim and cold. No sunlight could enter at the darkened eyes, and

Thus he dwelt forgotten and alone, seeking to give no joy to others, possessing none himself. Life was dark

and sad till the untiring Elves came to his dreary home, bringing sunlight and love. They whispered sweet

words of comfort,how, if the darkened eyes could find no light without, within there might be

neverfailing happiness; gentle feelings and sweet, loving thoughts could make the heart fair, if the gloomy,

They brought lighthearted children, who gathered round him, making the desolate home fair with their

young faces, and his sad heart gay with their sweet, childish voices. The love they bore he could not cast

away, sunlight stole in, the dark thoughts passed away, and the earth was a pleasant home to him.

Thus their little hands led him back to peace and happiness, flowers bloomed beside his door, and their

fragrant breath brought happy thoughts of pleasant valleys and green hills; birds sang to him, and their sweet

voices woke the music in his own soul, that never failed to calm and comfort. Happy sounds were heard in

his once lonely home, and bright faces gathered round his knee, and listened tenderly while he strove to tell

Still the Elves watched near, and brighter grew the heart as kindly thoughts and tender feelings entered in,

and made it their home; and when the old man fell asleep, above his grave little feet trod lightly, and loving

Then went the Elves into the dreary prisonhouses, where sad hearts pined in lonely sorrow for the joy and

freedom they had lost. To these came the loving band with tender words, telling of the peace they yet might

win by patient striving and repentant tears, thus waking in their bosoms all the holy feelings and sweet

They told pleasant tales, and sang their sweetest songs to cheer and gladden, while the dim cells grew bright

with the sunlight, and fragrant with the flowers the loving Elves had brought, and by their gentle teachings

those sad, despairing hearts were filled with patient hope and earnest longing to win back their lost innocence

Thus to all who needed help or comfort went the faithful Fairies; and when at length they turned towards

Then through the summer sky, above the blossoming earth, they journeyed home, happier for the joy they had

All FairyLand was dressed in flowers, and the soft wind went singing by, laden with their fragrant breath.

Sweet music sounded through the air, and troops of Elves in their gayest robes hastened to the palace where

Soon the bright hall was filled with smiling faces and fair forms, and little Eva, as she stood beside the

The manycolored shadows of the fairest flowers played on the pure white walls, and fountains sparkled in

the sunlight, making music as the cool waves rose and fell, while to and fro, with waving wings and joyous

voices, went the smiling Elves, bearing fruit and honey, or fragrant garlands for each other's hair.

Long they feasted, gayly they sang, and Eva, dancing merrily among them, longed to be an Elf that she might

At length the music ceased, and the Queen said, as she laid her hand on little Eva's shining hair:

"Dear child, tomorrow we must bear you home, for, much as we long to keep you, it were wrong to bring

such sorrow to your loving earthly friends; therefore we will guide you to the brookside, and there say

farewell till you come again to visit us. Nay, do not weep, dear RoseLeaf; you shall watch over little Eva's

flowers, and when she looks at them she will think of you. Come now and lead her to the Fairy garden, and

show her what we think our fairest sight. Weep no more, but strive to make her last hours with us happy as

With gentle caresses and most tender words the loving Elves gathered about the child, and, with RoseLeaf

by her side, they led her through the palace, and along green, winding paths, till Eva saw what seemed a wall

of flowers rising before her, while the air was filled with the most fragrant odors, and the low, sweet music as

"Look here, and you shall see," said RoseLeaf, as she bent aside the vines, "but listen silently or you cannot

Then Eva, looking through the drooping vines, beheld a garden filled with the loveliest flowers; fair as were

all the blossoms she had seen in FairyLand, none were so beautiful as these. The rose glowed with a deeper

crimson, the lily's soft leaves were more purely white, the crocus and humble cowslip shone like sunlight, and

"How beautiful they are," whispered Eva, "but, dear RoseLeaf, why do you keep them here, and why call

Eva looked, and saw from every flower a tiny form come forth to welcome the Elves, who all, save

RoseLeaf, had flown above the wall, and were now scattering dew upon the flowers' bright leaves and

talking gayly with the Spirits, who gathered around them, and seemed full of joy that they had come. The

child saw that each one wore the colors of the flower that was its home. Delicate and graceful were the little

forms, bright the silken hair that fell about each lovely face; and Eva heard the low, sweet murmur of their

silvery voices and the rustle of their wings. She gazed in silent wonder, forgetting she knew not who they

"These are the spirits of the flowers, and this the Fairy Home where those whose hearts were pure and loving

on the earth come to bloom in fadeless beauty here, when their earthly life is past. The humblest flower that

blooms has a home with us, for outward beauty is a worthless thing if all be not fair and sweet within. Do you

see yonder lovely spirit singing with my sister Moonlight? a clover blossom was her home, and she dwelt

unknown, unloved; yet patient and content, bearing cheerfully the sorrows sent her. We watched and saw

how fair and sweet the humble flower grew, and then gladly bore her here, to blossom with the lily and the

rose. The flowers' lives are often short, for cruel hands destroy them; therefore is it our greatest joy to bring

them hither, where no careless foot or wintry wind can harm them, where they bloom in quiet beauty,

"I will never break another flower," cried Eva; " but let me go to them, dear Fairy; I would gladly know the

lovely spirits, and ask forgiveness for the sorrow I have caused. May I not go in?"

"Nay, dear Eva, you are a mortal child, and cannot enter here; but I will tell them of the kind little maiden

who has learned to love them, and they will remember you when you are gone. Come now, for you have seen

On a rosy morning cloud, surrounded by the loving Elves, went Eva through the sunny sky. The fresh wind

bore them gently on, and soon they stood again beside the brook, whose waves danced brightly as if to

"Now, ere we say farewell," said the Queen, as they gathered nearer to the child, "tell me, dear Eva, what

"You good little Fairies," said Eva, folding them in her arms, for she was no longer the tiny child she had

been in FairyLand, "you dear good little Elves, what can I ask of you, who have done so much to make me

happy, and taught me so many good and gentle lessons, the memory of which will never pass away? I can

only ask of you the power to be as pure and gentle as yourselves, as tender and loving to the weak and

sorrowing, as untiring in kindly deeds to all. Grant me this gift, and you shall see that little Eva has not

"The power shall be yours," said the Elves, and laid their soft hands on her head; we will watch over you in

dreams, and when you would have tidings of us, ask the flowers in your garden, and they will tell you all you

They clung about her tenderly, and little RoseLeaf placed a flower crown on her head, whispering softly,

"When you would come to us again, stand by the brookside and wave this in the air, and we will gladly take

you to our home again. Farewell, dear Eva. Think of your little RoseLeaf when among the flowers."

Long Eva watched their shining wings, and listened to the music of their voices as they flew singing home,

and when at length the last little form had vanished among the clouds, she saw that all around her where the

Elves had been, the fairest flowers had sprung up, and the lonely brookside was a blooming garden.

Thus she stood among the waving blossoms, with the Fairy garland in her hair, and happy feelings in her

"Nothing but a little song I heard the harebells singing," replied the Fairy, and, taking her harp, sang, in a

The musicloving Elves clapped their hands, as StarTwinkle ceased; and the Queen placed a flower crown,

"The little bud's lesson shall teach us how sad a thing is pride, and that humility alone can bring true

And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and fro upon a fluttering vineleaf, thus began her story:

"As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip that bent above the brook, a little wind, tired of play, told me this

ONCE upon a time, two little Fairies went out into the world, to seek their fortune. Thistledown was as gay

and gallant a little Elf as ever spread a wing. His purple mantle, and doublet of green, were embroidered with

the brightest threads, and the plume in his cap came always from the wing of the gayest butterfly.

But he was not loved in FairyLand, for, like the flower whose name and colors he wore, though fair to look

upon, many were the little thorns of cruelty and selfishness that lay concealed by his gay mantle. Many a

gentle flower and harmless bird died by his hand, for he cared for himself alone, and whatever gave him

pleasure must be his, though happy hearts were rendered sad, and peaceful homes destroyed.

Such was Thistledown; but far different was his little friend, LilyBell. Kind, compassionate, and loving,

wherever her gentle face was seen, joy and gratitude were found; no suffering flower or insect, that did not

love and bless the kindly Fairy; and thus all ElfLand looked upon her as a friend.

Nor did this make her vain and heedless of others; she humb]y dwelt among them, seeking to do all the good

she might; and many a houseless bird and hungry insect that Thistledown had harmed did she feed and

shelter, and in return no evil could befall her, for so many friends were all about her, seeking to repay her

She would not now have left FairyLand, but to help and counsel her wild companion, Thistledown, who,

discontented with his quiet home, WOULD seek his fortune in the great world, and she feared he would

suffer from his own faults for others would not always be as gentle and forgiving as his kindred. So the kind

little Fairy left her home and friends to go with him; and thus, side by side, they flew beneath the bright

On and on, over hill and valley, they went, chasing the gay butterflies, or listening to the bees, as they flew

from flower to flower like busy little housewives, singing as they worked; till at last they reached a pleasant

"See," cried Thistledown, "what a lovely home is here; let us rest among the cool leaves, and hear the flowers

So into the quiet garden they went, and the winds gayly welcomed them, while the flowers nodded on their

stems, offering their bright leaves for the Elves to rest upon, and fresh, sweet honey to refresh them.

"Now, dear Thistle, do not harm these friendly blossoms," said LilyBell; "see how kindly they spread their

leaves, and offer us their dew. It would be very wrong in you to repay their care with cruelty and pain. You

Then she went among the flowers, and they bent lovingly before her, and laid their soft leaves against her

little face, that she might see how glad they were to welcome one so good and gentle, and kindly offered their

dew and honey to the weary little Fairy, who sat among their fragrant petals and looked smilingly on the

While LilyBell lay dreaming among the roseleaves, Thistledown went wandering through the garden. First

he robbed the bees of their honey, and rudely shook the little flowers, that he might get the dew they had

gathered to bathe their buds in. Then he chased the bright winged flies, and wounded them with the sharp

thorn he carried for a sword; he broke the spider's shining webs, lamed the birds, and soon wherever he

passed lay wounded insects and drooping flowers; while the winds carried the tidings over the garden, and

bird and blossom looked upon him as an evil spirit, and fled away or closed their leaves, lest he should harm

Thus he went, leaving sorrow and pain behind him, till he came to the roses where LilyBell lay sleeping.

There, weary of his cruel sport, he stayed to rest beneath a graceful rosetree, where grew one blooming

"Why are you so slow in blooming, little one? You are too old to be rocked in your green cradle longer, and

should be out among your sister flowers," said Thistle, as he lay idly in the shadow of the tree.

"My little bud is not yet strong enough to venture forth," replied the rose, as she bent fondly over it; "the

sunlight and the rain would blight her tender form, were she to blossom now, but soon she will be fit to bear

"You silly flower," said Thistledown, "see how quickly I will make you bloom! your waiting is all useless."

And speaking thus, he pulled rudely apart the folded leaves, and laid them open to the sun and air; while the

"It is my first, my only one," said she, "and I have watched over it with such care, hoping it would soon

bloom beside me; and now you have destroyed it. How could you harm the little helpless one, that never did

aught to injure you?" And while her tears fell like summer rain, she drooped in grief above the little bud, and

sadly watched it fading in the sunlight; but Thistledown, heedless of the sorrow he had given, spread his

Soon the sky grew dark, and heavy drops began to fall. Then Thistle hastened to the lily, for her cup was

deep, and the white leaves fell like curtains over the fragrant bed; he was a dainty little Elf, and could not

sleep among the clovers and bright buttercups. But when he asked the flower to unfold her leaves and take

him in, she turned her pale, soft face away, and answered sadly, "I must shield my little drooping sisters

Then Thistledown was very angry, and turned to find shelter among the stately roses; but they showed their

sharp thorns, and, while their rosy faces glowed with anger, told him to begone, or they would repay him for

He would have stayed to harm them, but the rain fell fast, and he hurried away, saying, "The tulips will take

But when he came, all wet and cold, praying for shelter among their thick leaves, they only laughed and said

scornfully, "We know you, and will not let you in, for you are false and cruel, and will only bring us sorrow.

You need not come to us for another mantle, when the rain has spoilt your fine one; and do not stay here, or

Then they waved their broad leaves stormily, and scattered the heavy drops on his dripping garments.

"Now must I go to the humble daisies and blue violets," said Thistle, "they will be glad to let in so fine a

So away he flew, as fast as his heavy wings would bear him, to the daisies; but they nodded their heads

"Go away with yourself, and do not imagine we will open our leaves to you, and spoil our seeds by letting in

the rain. It serves you rightly; to gain our love and confidence, and repay it by such cruelty! You will find no

shelter here for one whose careless hand wounded our little friend Violet, and broke the truest heart that ever

beat in a flower's breast. We are very angry with you, wicked Fairy; go away and hide yourself."

"Ah," cried the shivering Elf, "where can I find shelter? I will go to the violets: they will forgive and take me

But the daisies had spoken truly; the gentle little flower was dead, and her blueeyed sisters were weeping

"Now I have no friends," sighed poor Thistledown, "and must die of cold. Ah, if I had but minded

"Others can forgive and love, beside LilyBell and Violet," said a faint, sweet voice; "I have no little bud to

shelter now, and you can enter here." It was the rose mother that spoke, and Thistle saw how pale the bright

leaves had grown, and how the slender stem was bowed. Grieved, ashamed, and wondering at the flower's

forgiving words, he laid his weary head on the bosom he had filled with sorrow, and the fragrant leaves were

But he could find no rest. The rose strove to comfort him; but when she fancied he was sleeping, thoughts of

her lost bud stole in, and the little heart beat so sadly where he lay, that no sleep came; while the bitter tears

he had caused to flow fell more coldly on him than the rain without. Then he heard the other flowers

whispering among themselves of his cruelty, and the sorrow he had brought to their happy home; and many

wondered how the rose, who had suffered most, could yet forgive and shelter him.

"Never could I forgive one who had robbed me of my children. I could bow my head and die, but could give

no happiness to one who had taken all my own," said Hyacinth, bending fondly over the little ones that

"Dear Violet is not the only one who will leave us," sobbed little Mignonette; "the rose mother will fade like

her little bud, and we shall lose our gentlest teacher. Her last lesson is forgiveness; let us show our love for

her, and the gentle stranger LilyBell, by allowing no unkind word or thought of him who has brought us all

The angry words were hushed, and through the long night nothing was heard but the dropping of the rain, and

Soon the sunlight came again, and with it LilyBell seeking for Thistledown; but he was ashamed, and stole

When the flowers told their sorrow to kindhearted LilyBe]l, she wept bitterly at the pain her friend had

given, and with loving words strove to comfort those whom he had grieved; with gentle care she healed the

wounded birds, and watched above the flowers he had harmed, bringing each day dew and sunlight to refresh

and strengthen, till all were well again; and though sorrowing for their dead friends, still they forgave Thistle

for the sake of her who had done so much for them. Thus, erelong, buds fairer than that she had lost lay on

the rose mother's breast, and for all she had suffered she was well repaid by the love of LilyBell and her

And when bird, bee, and blossom were strong and fair again, the gentle Fairy said farewell, and flew away to

seek her friend, leaving behind many grateful hearts, who owed their joy and life to her.

Meanwhile, over hill and dale went Thistledown, and for a time was kind and gentle to every living thing. He

missed sadly the little friend who had left her happy home to watch over him, but he was too proud to own

One day he fell asleep, and when he woke the sun had set, and the dew began to fall; the flowercups were

closed, and he had nowhere to go, till a friendly little bee, belated by his heavy load of honey, bid the weary

"Help me to bear my honey home, and you can stay with us tonight," he kindly said.

So Thistle gladly went with him, and soon they came to a pleasant garden, where among the fairest flowers

stood the hive, covered with vines and overhung with blossoming trees. Glowworms stood at the door to

light them home, and as they passed in, the Fairy thought how charming it must be to dwell in such a lovely

place. The floor of wax was pure and white as marble, while the walls were formed of golden honeycomb,

"You cannot see our Queen tonight," said the little bee, "but I will show you to a bed where you can rest."

And he led the tired Fairy to a little cell, where on a bed of flowerleaves he folded his wings and fell asleep.

As the first ray of sunlight stole in, he was awakened by sweet music. It was the morning song of the bees.

Soon his friend came to bid him rise, as the Queen desired to speak with him. So, with his purple mantle

thrown gracefully over his shoulder, and his little cap held respectfully in his hand, he followed

NimbleWing to the great hall, where the Queen was being served by her little pages. Some bore her fresh

dew and honey, some fanned her with fragrant flowerleaves, while others scattered the sweetest perfumes

"Little Fairy," said the Queen, "you are welcome to my palace; and we will gladly have you stay with us, if

you will obey our laws. We do not spend the pleasant summer days in idleness and pleasure, but each one

labors for the happiness and good of all. If our home is beautiful, we have made it so by industry; and here, as

one large, loving family, we dwell; no sorrow, care, or discord can enter in, while all obey the voice of her

who seeks to be a wise and gentle Queen to them. If you will stay with us, we will teach you many things.

Order, patience, industry, who can teach so well as they who are the emblems of these virtues?

"Our laws are few and simple. You must each day gather your share of honey, see that your cell is sweet and

fresh, as you yourself must be; rise with the sun, and with him to sleep. You must harm no flower in doing

your work, nor take more than your just share of honey; for they so kindly give us food, it were most cruel to

treat them with aught save gentleness and gratitude. Now will you stay with us, and learn what even mortals

And Thistle said he would stay and dwell with them; for he was tired of wandering alone, and thought he

might live here till LilyBell should come, or till he was weary of the kindhearted bees. Then they took

away his gay garments, and dressed him like themselves, in the black velvet cloak with golden bands across

"Now come with us," they said. So forth into the green fields they went, and made their breakfast among the

dewy flowers; and then till the sun set they flew from bud to blossom, singing as they went; and Thistle for a

But he soon grew tired of working all day in the sun, and longed to be free again. He could find no pleasure

with the industrious bees, and sighed to be away with his idle friends, the butterflies; so while the others

worked he slept or played, and then, in haste to get his share, he tore the flowers, and took all they had saved

for their own food. Nor was this all; he told such pleasant tales of the life he led before he came to live with

them, that many grew unhappy and discontented, and they who had before wished no greater joy than the

love and praise of their kind Queen, now disobeyed and blamed her for all she had done for them.

Long she bore with their unkind words and deeds; and when at length she found it was the ungrateful Fairy

who had wrought this trouble in her quiet kingdom, she strove, with sweet, forgiving words, to show him all

the wrong he had done; but he would not listen, and still went on destroying the happiness of those who had

"Thistledown, we took you in, a friendless stranger, fed and clothed you, and made our home as pleasant to

you as we could; and in return for all our care, you have brought discontent and trouble to my subjects, grief

and care to me. I cannot let my peaceful kingdom be disturbed by you; therefore go and seek another home.

You may find other friends, but none will love you more than we, had you been worthy of it; so farewell."

Then he was very angry, and determined to bring some great sorrow on the good Queen. So he sought out the

idle, wilful bees, whom he had first made discontented, bidding them follow him, and win the honey the

"Let us feast and make merry in the pleasant summertime," said Thistle; "winter is far off, why should we

waste these lovely days, toiling to lay up the food we might enjoy now. Come, we will take what we have

So while the industrious bees were out among the flowers, he led the drones to the hive, and took possession

of the honey, destroying and laying waste the home of the kind bees; then, fearing that in their grief and anger

After many wanderings, he came at length to a great forest, and here beside a still lake he stayed to rest.

Delicate woodflowers grew near him in the deep green moss, with drooping heads, as if they listened to the

soft wind singing among the pines. Brighteyed birds peeped at him from their nests, and manycolored

"This is a pleasant place," said Thistle; "it shall be my home for a while. Come hither, blue dragonfly, I

The dragonfly folded his shining wings beside the Elf, listened to the tale he told, promised to befriend the

So here dwelt Thistle, and many kind friends gathered round him, for he spoke gently to them, and they knew

nothing of the cruel deeds he had done; and for a while he was happy and content. But at length he grew

weary of the gentle birds, and wildflowers, and sought new pleasure in destroying the beauty he was tired

of; and soon the friends who had so kindly welcomed him looked upon him as an evil spirit, and shrunk away

At length his friend the dragonfly besought him to leave the quiet home he had disturbed. Then Thistle was

very angry, and while the dragonfly was sleeping among the flowers that hung over the lake, he led an ugly

spider to the spot, and bade him weave his nets about the sleeping insect, and bind him fast. The cruel spider

gladly obeyed the ungrateful Fairy; and soon the poor fly could move neither leg nor wing. Then Thistle flew

He had not journeyed far before he grew weary, and lay down to rest. Long he slept, and when he awoke, and

tried to rise, his hands and wings were bound; while beside him stood two strange little figures, with dark

faces and garments, that rustled like withered leaves; who cried to him, as he struggled to get free,

"Lie still, you naughty Fairy, you are in the Brownies' power, and shall be well punished for your cruelty ere

So poor Thistle lay sorrowfully, wondering what would come of it, and wishing LilyBell would come to

Soon a troop of Brownies came rustling through the air, and gathered round him, while one who wore an

acorncup on his head, and was their King, said, as he stood beside the trembling Fairy,

"You have done many cruel things, and caused much sorrow to happy hearts; now you are in my power, and I

shall keep you prisoner till you have repented. You cannot dwell on the earth without harming the fair things

given you to enjoy, so you shall live alone in solitude and darkness, till you have learned to find happiness in

gentle deeds, and forget yourself in giving joy to others. When you have learned this, I will set you free."

Then the Brownies bore him to a high, dark rock, and, entering a little door, led him to a small cell, dimly

lighted by a crevice through which came a single gleam of sunlight; and there, through long, long days, poor

Thistle sat alone, and gazed with wistful eyes at the little opening, longing to be out on the green earth. No

one came to him, but the silent Brownies who brought his daily food; and with bitter tears he wept for

LilyBell, mourning his cruelty and selfishness, seeking to do some kindly deed that might atone for his

A little vine that grew outside his prison rock came creeping up, and looked in through the crevice, as if to

cheer the lonely Fairy, who welcomed it most gladly, and daily sprinkled its soft leaves with his small share

of water, that the little vine might live, even if it darkened more and more his dim cell.

The watchful Brownies saw this kind deed, and brought him fresh flowers, and many things, which Thistle

gratefully received, though he never knew it was his kindness to the vine that gained for him these pleasures.

Thus did poor Thistle strive to be more gentle and unselfish, and grew daily happier and better.

Now while Thistledown was a captive in the lonely cell, LilyBell was seeking him far and wide, and sadly

She healed the drooping flowers, cheered the Queen Bee's grief, brought back her discontented subjects,

Thus she journeyed on, till she reached the forest where Thistledown had lost his freedom. She unbound the

starving dragonfly, and tended the wounded birds; but though all learned to love her, none could tell where

the Brownies had borne her friend, till a little wind came whispering by, and told her that a sweet voice had

Then LilyBell went seeking through the forest, listening for the voice. Long she looked and listened in vain;

when one day, as she was wandering through a lonely dell, she heard a faint, low sound of music, and soon a

"Thistle, dear Thistle, where are you?" joyfully cried LilyBell, as she flew from rock to rock. But the voice

was still, and she would have looked in vain, had she not seen a little vine, whose green leaves fluttering to

and fro seemed beckoning her to come; and as she stood among its flowers she sang,

Then from the vineleaves two little arms were stretched out to her, and Thistledown was found. So

LilyBell made her home in the shadow of the vine, and brought such joy to Thistle, that his lonely cell

seemed pleasanter to him than all the world beside; and he grew daily more like his gentle friend. But it did

not last long, for one day she did not come. He watched and waited long, for the little face that used to peep

smiling in through the vineleaves. He called and beckoned through the narrow opening, but no LilyBell

answered; and he wept sadly as he thought of all she had done for him, and that now he could not go to seek

At last he besought the silent Brownie earnestly to tell him whither she had gone.

"O let me go to her," prayed Thistle; "if she is in sorrow, I will comfort her, and show my gratitude for all she

has done for me: dear Brownie, set me free, and when she is found I will come and be your prisoner again. I

"LilyBell is safe," replied the Brownie; "come, you shall learn the trial that awaits you."

Then he led the wondering Fairy from his prison, to a group of tall, drooping ferns, beneath whose shade a

large white lily had been placed, forming a little tent, within which, on a couch of thick green moss, lay

LilyBell in a deep sleep; the sunlight stole softly in, and all was cool and still.

"You cannot wake her," said the Brownie, as Thistle folded his arms tenderly about her. "It is a magic

slumber, and she will not wake till you shall bring hither gifts from the Earth, Air, and Water Spirits. 'T is a

long and weary task, for you have made no friends to help you, and will have to seek for them alone. This is

the trial we shall give you; and if your love for LilyBell be strong enough to keep you from all cruelty and

selfishness, and make you kind and loving as you should be, she will awake to welcome you, and love you

Then Thistle, with a last look on the little friend he loved so well, set forth alone to his long task.

The home of the Earth Spirits was the first to find, and no one would tell him where to look. So far and wide

he wandered, through gloomy forests and among lonely hills, with none to cheer him when sad and weary,

On he went, thinking of LilyBell, and for her sake bearing all; for in his quiet prison many gentle feelings

and kindly thoughts had sprung up in his heart, and he now strove to be friends with all, and win for himself

the love and confidence of those whom once he sought to harm and cruelly destroy.

But few believed him; for they remembered his false promises and evil deeds, and would not trust him now;

Long he wandered, and carefully he sought; but could not find the Earth Spirits' home. And when at length he

reached the pleasant garden where he and LilyBell first parted, he said within himself,

"Here I will stay awhile, and try to win by kindly deeds the flowers' forgiveness for the pain and sorrow I

brought them long ago; and they may learn to love and trust me. So, even if I never find the Spirits, I shall be

Then he went among the flowers, but they closed their leaves, and shrank away, trembling with fear; while

This grieved poor Thistle, and he longed to tell them how changed he had become; but they would not listen.

So he tried to show, by quiet deeds of kindness, that he meant no harm to them; and soon the kindhearted

birds pitied the lonely Fairy, and when he came near sang cheering songs, and dropped ripe berries in his

And when the flowers saw this, and found the once cruel Elf now watering and tending little buds, feeding

hungry insects, and helping the busy ants to bear their heavy loads, they shared the pity of the birds, and

He came one day, while wandering through the garden, to the little rose he had once harmed so sadly. Many

buds now bloomed beside her, and her soft face glowed with motherly pride, as she bent fondly over them.

But when Thistle came, he saw with sorrow how she bade them close their green curtains, and conceal

themselves beneath the leaves, for there was danger near; and, drooping still more closely over them, she

But no rude hand tore her little ones away, no unkind words were spoken; but a soft shower of dew fell

"Dear flower, forgive the sorrow I once brought you, and trust me now for LilyBell's sake. Her gentleness

has changed my cruelty to kindness, and I would gladly repay all for the harm I have done; but none will love

Then the little rose looked up, and while the dewdrops shone like happy tears upon her leaves, she said,

"I WILL love and trust you, Thistle, for you are indeed much changed. Make your home among us, and my

sister flowers will soon learn to love you as you deserve. Not for sweet LilyBell's sake, but for your own,

will I become your friend; for you are kind and gentle now, and worthy of our love. Look up, my little ones,

Then the little buds raised their rosy faces, danced again upon their stems, and nodded kindly at Thistle, who

smiled on them through happy tears, and kissed the sweet, forgiving rose, who loved and trusted him when

"If RoseLeaf is his friend, surely we may be; yet still I fear he may soon grow weary of this gentleness, and

be again the wicked Fairy he once was, and we shall suffer for our kindness to him now."

"Ah, do not doubt him!" cried warmhearted little Mignonette; "surely some good spirit has changed the

wicked Thistle into this good little Elf. See how tenderly he lifts aside the leaves that overshadow pale

Harebell, and listen now how softly he sings as he rocks little Eglantine to sleep. He has done many friendly

things, though none save RoseLeaf has been kind to him, and he is very sad. Last night when I awoke to

draw my curtains closer, he sat weeping in the moonlight, so bitterly, I longed to speak a kindly word to him.

And they all said little Mignonette was right; and, spreading wide their leaves, they bade him come, and drink

their dew, and lie among the fragrant petals, striving to cheer his sorrow. Thistle told them all, and, after

"Yes, we will help you to find the Earth Spirits, for you are striving to be good, and for love of LilyBell we

So they called a little brighteyed mole, and said, "DownyBack, we have given you a pleasant home among

our roots, and you are a grateful little friend; so will you guide dear Thistle to the Earth Spirits' home?"

DownyBack said, "Yes," and Thistle, thanking the kindly flowers, followed his little guide, through long,

dark galleries, deeper and deeper into the ground; while a glowworm flew before to light the way. On they

went, and after a while, reached a path lit up by bright jewels hung upon the walls. Here DownyBack, and

"We can lead you no farther; you must now go on alone, and the music of the Spirits will guide you to their

Then they went quickly up the winding path, and Thistle, guided by the sweet music, went on alone.

He soon reached a lovely spot, whose golden halls were bright with jewels, which sparkled brightly, and

threw manycolored shadows on the shining garments of the little Spirits, who danced below to the melody

Long Thistle stood watching the brilliant forms that flashed and sparkled round him; but he missed the

At last they spied him out, and, gladly welcoming him, bade him join in their dance. But Thistledown was too

sad for that, and when he told them all his story they no longer urged, but sought to comfort him; and one

whom they called little Sparkle (for her crown and robe shone with the brightest diamonds), said: "You will

have to work for us, ere you can win a gift to show the Brownies; do you see those golden bells that make

such music, as we wave them to and fro? We worked long and hard ere they were won, and you can win one

And Thistle said, "No task will be too hard for me to do for dear LilyBell's sake."

Then they led him to a strange, dark place, lit up with torches; where troops of Spirits flew busily to and fro,

among damp rocks, and through dark galleries that led far down into the earth. "What do they here?" asked

"I will tell," replied little Sparkle, "for I once worked here myself. Some of them watch above the

flowerroots, and keep them fresh and strong; others gather the clear drops that trickle from the damp rocks,

and form a little spring, which, growing ever larger, rises to the light above, and gushes forth in some green

field or lonely forest; where the wildbirds come to drink, and woodflowers spread their thirsty leaves

above the clear, cool waves, as they go dancing away, carrying joy and freshness wherever they go. Others

shape the bright jewels into lovely forms, and make the goodluck pennies which we give to mortals whom

Then Thistle went among the Spirits, and joined in their tasks; he tended the flowerroots, gathered the

waterdrops, and formed the goodluck pennies. Long and hard he worked, and was often sad and weary,

often tempted by unkind and selfish thoughts; but he thought of LilyBell, and strove to be kind and loving

as she had been; and soon the Spirits learned to love the patient Fairy, who had left his home to toil among

At length came little Sparkle to him, saying, "You have done enough; come now, and dance and feast with

But Thistle could not stay, for half his task was not yet done; and he longed for sunlight and LilyBell. So,

taking a kind farewell, he hastened through the torchlit path up to the light again; and, spreading his wings,

It was early morning, and the rosy light shone brightly through the lilyleaves upon her, as Thistle entered,

"You have done well," said he, "we hear good tidings of you from bird and flower, and you are truly seeking

to repair the evil you have done. Take now one look at your little friend, and then go forth to seek from the

Then Thistle said farewell again to LilyBell, and flew far and wide among the clouds, seeking the Air

Spirits; but though he wandered till his weary wings could bear him no longer, it was in vain. So, faint and

sad, he lay down to rest on a broad vineleaf, that fluttered gently in the wind; and as he lay, he saw beneath

him the home of the kind bees whom he had so disturbed, and LilyBell had helped and comforted.

"I will seek to win their pardon, and show them that I am no longer the cruel Fairy who so harmed them,"

thought Thistle, "and when they become again my friends, I will ask their help to find the Air Spirits; and if I

So he flew down into the field below, and hastened busily from flower to flower, till he had filled a tiny

bluebell with sweet, fresh honey. Then he stole softly to the hive, and, placing it near the door, concealed

himself to watch. Soon his friend NimbleWing came flying home, and when he spied the little cup, he

"Surely, some good Elf has placed it here for us," said they; "let us bear it to our Queen; it is so fresh and

fragrant it will be a fit gift for her"; and they joyfully took it in, little dreaming who had placed it there.

So each day Thistle filled a flowercup, and laid it at the door; and each day the bees wondered more and

more, for many strange things happened. The fieldflowers told of the good spirit who watched above them,

and the birds sang of the same kind little Elf bringing soft moss for their nests, and food for their hungry

But the bees never saw him, for he feared he had not yet done enough to win their forgiveness and friendship;

so he lived alone among the vines, daily bringing them honey, and doing some kindly action.

At length, as he lay sleeping in a flowerbell, a little bee came wandering by, and knew him for the wicked

Thistle; so he called his friends, and, as they flew murmuring around him, he awoke.

"What shall we do to you, naughty Elf?" said they. "You are in our power, and we will sting you if you are

"Let us close the flowerleaves around him and leave him here to starve," cried one, who had not yet

"No, no, that were very cruel, dear Buzz," said little Hum; "let us take him to our Queen, and she will tell us

how to show our anger for the wicked deeds he did. See how bitterly he weeps; be kind to him, he will not

"You good little Hum!" cried a kindhearted robin who had hopped near to listen to the bees. "Dear friends,

do you not know that this is the good Fairy who has dwelt so quietly among us, watching over bird and

blossom, giving joy to all he helps? It is HE who brings the honeycup each day to you, and then goes

silently away, that you may never know who works so faithfully for you. Be kind to him, for if he has done

"Yes, it is I," said Thistle, "but no longer cruel and unkind. I have tried to win your love by patient industry.

Then the wondering bees led him to their Queen, and when he had told his tale, and begged their forgiveness,

it was gladly given; and all strove to show him that he was loved and trusted. Then he asked if they could tell

him where the Air Spirits dwelt, for he must not forget dear LilyBell; and to his great joy the Queen said,

Little Hum joyfully obeyed; and Thistle followed him, as he flew higher and higher among the soft clouds,

"There is their home, and I must leave you now, dear Thistle," said the little bee; and, bidding him farewell,

he flew singing back; while Thistle, following the light, soon found himself in the Air Spirits' home.

The sky was gold and purple like an autumn sunset, and long walls of brilliant clouds lay round him. A rosy

light shone through the silver mist, on gleaming columns and the rainbow roof; soft, fragrant winds went

Long Thistle wondered at the beauty round him; and then he went among the shining Spirits, told his tale,

But they answered like the Earth Spirits. "You must serve us first, and then we will gladly give you a robe of

And then they told him how they wafted flowerseeds over the earth, to beautify and brighten lonely spots;

how they watched above the blossoms by day, and scattered dews at night, brought sunlight into darkened

And Thistle gladly went with the lovely Spirits; by day he joined the sunlight and the breeze in their silent

work; by night, with StarLight and her sister spirits, he flew over the moonlit earth, dropping cool dew

upon the folded flowers, and bringing happy dreams to sleeping mortals. Many a kind deed was done, many a

gentle word was spoken; and each day lighter grew his heart, and stronger his power of giving joy to others.

At length StarLight bade him work no more, and gladly gave him the gift he had won. Then his second task

The silvery moonlight shone upon her, as he came to give his second gift; and the Brownie spoke more

"One more trial, Thistle, and she will awake. Go bravely forth and win your last and hardest gift."

Then with a light heart Thistle journeyed away to the brooks and rivers, seeking the Water Spirits. But he

looked in vain; till, wandering through the forest where the Brownies took him captive, he stopped beside the

As he stood here he heard a sound of pain, and, looking in the tall grass at his side, he saw the dragonfly

whose kindness he once repayed by pain and sorrow, and who now lay suffering and alone.

Thistle bent tenderly beside him, saying, "Dear Flutter, do not fear me. I will gladly ease your pain, if you

will let me; I am your friend, and long to show you how I grieve for all the wrong I did you, when you were

Then he bound up the broken wing, and spoke so tenderly that Flutter doubted him no longer, and was his

Day by day did Thistle watch beside him, making little beds of cool, fresh moss for him to rest upon, fanning

him when he slept, and singing sweet songs to cheer him when awake. And often when poor Flutter longed to

be dancing once again over the blue waves, the Fairy bore him in his arms to the lake, and on a broad leaf,

with a green flag for a sail, they floated on the still water; while the dragonfly's companions flew about

At length the broken wing was well, and Thistle said he must again seek the Water Spirits. "I can tell you

where to find them," said Flutter; "you must follow yonder little brook, and it will lead you to the sea, where

the Spirits dwell. I would gladly do more for you, dear Thistle, but I cannot, for they live deep beneath the

Thistle followed the little brook, as it flowed through field and valley, growing ever larger, till it reached the

sea. Here the wind blew freshly, and the great waves rolled and broke at Thistle's feet, as he stood upon the

"How shall I find the Spirits in this great sea, with none to help or guide me? Yet it is my last task, and for

LilyBell's sake I must not fear or falter now," said Thistle. So he flew hither and thither over the sea,

looking through the waves. Soon he saw, far below, the branches of the coral tree.

"They must be here," thought he, and, folding his wings, he plunged into the deep, cold sea. But he saw only

fearful monsters and dark shapes that gathered round him; and, trembling with fear, he struggled up again.

The great waves tossed him to and fro, and cast him bruised and faint upon the shore. Here he lay weeping

bitterly, till a voice beside him said, "Poor little Elf, what has befallen you? These rough waves are not fit

playmates for so delicate a thing as you. Tell me your sorrow, and I will comfort you."

And Thistle, looking up, saw a white seabird at his side, who tried with friendly words to cheer him. So he

"Surely, if bee and blossom do their part to help you, birds should aid you too," said the Seabird. "I will call

my friend, the Nautilus, and he will bear you safely to the Coral Palace where the Spirits dwell."

So, spreading his great wings, he flew away, and soon Thistle saw a little boat come dancing over the waves,

In he sprang. Nautilus raised his little sail to the wind, and the light boat glided swiftly over the blue sea. At

last Thistle cried, "I see lovely arches far below; let me go, it is the Spirits' home."

"Nay, close your eyes, and trust to me. I will bear you safely down," said Nautilus.

So Thistle closed his eyes, and listened to the murmur of the sea, as they sank slowly through the waves. The

soft sound lulled him to sleep, and when he awoke the boat was gone, and he stood among the Water Spirits,

Lofty arches of snowwhite coral bent above him, and the walls of brightly tinted shells were wreathed with

lovely seaflowers, and the sunlight shining on the waves cast silvery shadows on the ground, where

sparkling stones glowed in the sand. A cool, fresh wind swept through the waving garlands of bright

seamoss, and the distant murmur of dashing waves came softly on the air. Soon troops of graceful Spirits

flitted by, and when they found the wondering Elf, they gathered round him, bringing pearlshells heaped

with precious stones, and all the rare, strange gifts that lie beneath the sea. But Thistle wished for none of

these, and when his tale was told, the kindly Spirits pitied him; and little Pearl sighed, as she told him of the

long and weary task he must perform, ere he could win a crown of snowwhite pearls like those they wore.

But Thistle had gained strength and courage in his wanderings, and did not falter now, when they led bim to a

place among the coralworkers, and told him he must labor here, till the spreading branches reached the light

With a patient hope that he might yet be worthy of LilyBell, the Fairy left the lovely spirits and their

pleasant home, to toil among the coralbuilders, where all was strange and dim. Long, long, he worked; but

still the waves rolled far above them, and his task was not yet done; and many bitter tears poor Thistle shed,

and sadly he pined for air and sunlight, the voice of birds, and breath of flowers. Often, folded in the magic

garments which the Spirits gave him, that he might pass unharmed among the fearful creatures dwelling

there, he rose to the surface of the sea, and, gliding through the waves, gazed longingly upon the hills, now

looking blue and dim so far away, or watched the flocks of summer birds, journeying to a warmer land; and

they brought sad memories of green old forests, and sunny fields, to the lonely little Fairy floating on the

Day after day went by, and slowly Thistle's task drew towards an end. Busily toiled the coralworkers, but

more busily toiled he; insect and Spirit daily wondered more and more, at the industry and patience of the

silent little Elf, who had a friendly word for all, though he never joined them in their sport.

Higher and higher grew the coralboughs, and lighter grew the Fairy's heart, while thoughts of dear

LilyBell cheered him on, as day by day he steadily toiled; and when at length the sun shone on his work,

and it was done, he stayed but to take the garland he had won, and to thank the good Spirits for their love and

care. Then up through the cold, blue waves he swiftly glided, and, shaking the bright drops from his wings,

On through the fragrant air went Thistle, looking with glad face upon the fair, fresh earth below, where

flowers looked smiling up, and green trees bowed their graceful heads as if to welcome him. Soon the forest

where LilyBell lay sleeping rose before him, and as he passed along the cool, dim woodpaths, never had

But when he came where his little friend had slept, it was no longer the dark, silent spot where he last saw

her. Garlands hung from every tree, and the fairest flowers filled the air with their sweet breath. Bird's gay

voices echoed far and wide, and the little brook went singing by, beneath the arching ferns that bent above it;

green leaves rustled in the summer wind, and the air was full of music. But the fairest sight was LilyBell, as

she lay on the couch of velvet moss that Fairy hands had spread. The golden flower lay beside her, and the

glittering robe was folded round her little form. The warmest sunlight fell upon her, and the softest breezes

Happy tears fell fast, as Thistle folded his arms around her, crying, "O LilyBell, dear LilyBell, awake! I

Then, with a smile, LilyBell awoke, and looked with wondering eyes upon the beauty that had risen round

"Dear Thistle, what mean these fair things, and why are we in this lovely place?"

"Listen, LilyBell," said the Brownie King, as he appeared beside her. And then he told all that Thistle had

done to show his love for her; how he had wandered far and wide to seek the Fairy gifts, and toiled long and

hard to win them; how he had been loving, true, and tender, when most lonely and forsaken.

"Bird, bee, and blossom have forgiven him, and none is more loved and trusted now by all, than the once

cruel Thistle," said the King, as he bent down to the happy Elf, who bowed low before him.

"You have learned the beauty of a gentle, kindly heart, dear Thistle; and you are now worthy to become the

friend of her for whom you have done so much. Place the crown upon her head, for she is Queen of all the

And as the crown shone on the head that LilyBell bent down on Thistle's breast, the forest seemed alive with

little forms, who sprang from flower and leaf, and gathered round her, bringing gifts for their new Queen.

"If I am Queen, then you are King, dear Thistle," said the Fairy. "Take the crown, and I will have a wreath of

flowers. You have toiled and suffered for my sake, and you alone should rule over these little Elves whose

"Keep your crown, LilyBell, for yonder come the Spirits with their gifts to Thistle," said the Brownie. And,

as he pointed with his wand, out from among the mossy roots of an old tree came trooping the Earth Spirits,

their flowerbells ringing softly as they came, and their jewelled garments glittering in the sun. On to where

Thistledown stood beneath the shadow of the flowers, with LilyBell beside him, went the Spirits; and then

forth sprang little Sparkle, waving a golden flower, whose silvery music filled the air. "Dear Thistle," said the

shining Spirit, "what you toiled so faithfully to win for another, let us offer now as a token of our love for

As she ceased, down through the air came floating bands of lovely Air Spirits, bringing a shining robe, and

Then softly on the breeze came distant music, growing ever nearer, till over the rippling waves came the

singing Water Spirits, in their boats of manycolored shells; and as they placed their glittering crown on

Thistle's head, loud rang the flowers, and joyously sang the birds, while all the Forest Fairies cried, with

"Have you a tale for us too, dear VioletEye?" said the Queen, as Zephyr ceased. The little Elf thus named

looked from among the flowerleaves where she sat, and with a smile replied, "As I was weaving garlands in

IN a great forest, high up among the green boughs, lived Bird BrownBreast, and his brighteyed little mate.

They were now very happy; their home was done, the four blue eggs lay in the soft nest, and the little wife sat

still and patient on them, while the husband sang, and told her charming tales, and brought her sweet berries

Things went smoothly on, till one day she found in the nest a little white egg, with a golden band about it.

"My friend," cried she, "come and see! Where can this fine egg have come from? My four are here, and this

The husband shook his head gravely, and said, "Be not alarmed, my love; it is doubtless some good Fairy

who has given us this, and we shall find some gift within; do not let us touch it, but do you sit carefully upon

So they said nothing about it, and soon their home had four little chirping children; and then the white egg

opened, and, behold, a little maiden lay singing within. Then how amazed were they, and how they welcomed

her, as she lay warm beneath the mother's wing, and how the young birds did love her.

Great joy was in the forest, and proud were the parents of their family, and still more of the little one who had

come to them; while all the neighbors flocked in, to see Dame BrownBreast's little child. And the tiny

maiden talked to them, and sang so merrily, that they could have listened for ever. Soon she was the joy of

the whole forest, dancing from tree to tree, making every nest her home, and none were ever so welcome as

The father now had much to do to supply his family with food, and choice morsels did he bring little Bud.

The wild fruits were her food, the fresh dew in the flowercups her drink, while the green leaves served her

for little robes; and thus she found garments in the flowers of the field, and a happy home with Mother

BrownBreast; and all in the wood, from the stately trees to the little mosses in the turf, were friends to the

And each day she taught the young birds sweet songs, and as their gay music rang through the old forest, the

stern, dark pines ceased their solemn waving, that they might hear the soft sounds stealing through the dim

woodpaths, and mortal children came to listen, saying softly, "Hear the flowers sing, and touch them not, for

Then came a band of sad little Elves to Bud, praying that they might hear the sweet music; and when she took

them by the hand, and spoke gently to them, they wept and said sadly, when she asked them whence they

"We dwelt once in FairyLand, and O how happy were we then! But alas! we were not worthy of so fair a

home, and were sent forth into the cold world. Look at our robes, they are like the withered leaves; our wings

are dim, our crowns are gone, and we lead sad, lonely lives in this dark forest. Let us stay with you; your gay

music sounds like Fairy songs, and you have such a friendly way with you, and speak so gently to us. It is

good to be near one so lovely and so kind; and you can tell us how we may again become fair and innocent.

And Bud said, "Yes," and they stayed; but her kind little heart was grieved that they wept so sadly, and all

"Do not weep, and I will go to Queen DewDrop, and beseech her to let you come back. I will tell her that

you are repentant, and will do anything to gain her love again; that you are sad, and long to be forgiven. This

"She will not say no to you, dear Bud," said the poor little Fairies; "she will love you as we do, and if we can

but come again to our lost home, we cannot give you thanks enough. Go, Bud, and if there be power in Fairy

The tidings of Bud's departure flew through the forest, and all her friends came to say farewell, as with the

morning sun she would go; and each brought some little gift, for the land of Fairies was far away, and she

"Nay, you shall not go on your feet, my child," said Mother BrownBreast; "your friend GoldenWing shall

carry you. Call him hither, that I may seat you rightly, for if you should fall off my heart would break."

Then up came GoldenWing, and Bud was safely seated on the cushion of violetleaves; and it was really

charming to see her merry little face, peeping from under the broad brim of her cowslip hat, as her butterfly

steed stood waving his bright wings in the sunlight. Then came the bee with his yellow honeybags, which he

begged she would take, and the little brown spider that lived under the great leaves brought a veil for her hat,

and besought her to wear it, lest the sun should shine too brightly; while the ant came bringing a tiny

strawberry, lest she should miss her favorite fruit. The mother gave her good advice, and the papa stood with

his head on one side, and his round eyes twinkling with delight, to think that his little Bud was going to

Then they all sang gayly together, till she passed out of sight over the hills, and they saw her no more.

And now Bud left the old forest far behind her. GoldenWing bore her swiftly along, and she looked down

on the green mountains, and the peasant's cottages, that stood among overshadowing trees; and the earth

looked bright, with its broad, blue rivers winding through soft meadows, the singing birds, and flowers, who

And she sang gayly as they floated in the clear air, while her friend kept time with his waving wings, and ever

As Bud passed through the gates, she no longer wondered that the exiled Fairies wept and sorrowed for the

lovely home they had lost. Bright clouds floated in the sunny sky, casting a rainbow light on the Fairy palaces

below, where the Elves were dancing; while the low, sweet voices of the singing flowers sounded softly

through the fragrant air, and mingled with the music of the rippling waves, as they flowed on beneath the

All was bright and beautiful; but kind little Bud would not linger, for the forms of the weeping Fairies were

before her; and though the blossoms nodded gayly on their stems to welcome her, and the soft winds kissed

her cheek, she would not stay, but on to the Flower Palace she went, into a pleasant hall whose walls were

formed of crimson roses, amid whose leaves sat little Elves, making sweet music on their harps. When they

saw Bud, they gathered round her, and led her through the flowerwreathed arches to a group of the most

beautiful Fairies, who were gathered about a stately lily, in whose fragrant cup sat one whose purple robe and

Bud knelt before her, and, while tears streamed down her little face, she told her errand, and pleaded

earnestly that the exiled Fairies might be forgiven, and not be left to pine far from their friends and kindred.

And as she prayed, many wept with her; and when she ceased, and waited for her answer, many knelt beside

"Little maiden, your prayer has softened my heart. They shall not be left sorrowing and alone, nor shall you

go back without a kindly word to cheer and comfort them. We will pardon their fault, and when they can

bring hither a perfect Fairy crown, robe, and wand, they shall be again received as children of their loving

Queen. The task is hard, for none but the best and purest can form the Fairy garments; yet with patience they

may yet restore their robes to their former brightness. Farewell, good little maiden; come with them, for but

"Good speed to you, and farewell," cried they all, as, with loving messages to their poor friends, they bore her

Day after day toiled little Bud, cheering the Fairies, who, angry and disappointed, would not listen to her

gentle words, but turned away and sat alone weeping. They grieved her kind heart with many cruel words;

but patiently she bore with them, and when they told her they could never perform so hard a task, and must

dwell for ever in the dark forest, she answered gently, that the snowwhite lily must be planted, and watered

with repentant tears, before the robe of innocence could be won; that the sun of love must shine in their

hearts, before the light could return to their dim crowns, and deeds of kindness must be performed, ere the

Then they planted the lilies; but they soon drooped and died, and no light came to their crowns. They did no

gentle deeds, but cared only for themselves; and when they found their labor was in vain, they tried no

longer, but sat weeping. Bud, with ceaseless toil and patient care, tended the lilies, which bloomed brightly,

the crowns grew bright, and in her hands the wands had power over birds and blossoms, for she was striving

to give happiness to others, forgetful of herself. And the idle Fairies, with thankful words, took the garments

from her, and then with Bud went forth to FairyLand, and stood with beating hearts before the gates; where

But when Queen DewDrop touched them with her wand, as they passed in, the light faded from their

crowns, their robes became like withered leaves, and their wands were powerless.

"Farewell! It is not in my power to aid you; innocence and love are not within your hearts, and were it not for

this untiring little maiden, who has toiled while you have wept, you never would have entered your lost

home. Go and strive again, for till all is once more fair and pure, I cannot call you mine."

"Farewell!" sang the weeping Fairies, as the gates closed on their outcast friends; who, humbled and

brokenhearted, gathered around Bud; and she, with cheering words, guided them back to the forest.

Time passed on, and the Fairies had done nothing to gain their lovely home again. They wept no longer, but

watched little Bud, as she daily tended the flowers, restoring thelr strength and beauty, or with gentle words

flew from nest to nest, teaching the little birds to live happily together; and wherever she went blessings fell,

Then, one by one, the Elves secretly did some little work of kindness, and found a quiet joy come back to

repay them. Flowers looked lovingly up as they passed, birds sang to cheer them when sad thoughts made

them weep. And soon little Bud found out their gentle deeds, and her friendly words gave them new strength.

So day after day they followed her, and like a band of guardian spirits they flew far and wide, carrying with

And not only birds and flowers blessed them, but human beings also; for with tender hands they guided little

children from danger, and kept their young hearts free from evil thoughts; they whispered soothing words to

the sick, and brought sweet odors and fair flowers to their lonely rooms. They sent lovely visions to the old

But most tenderly did they watch over the poor and sorrowing, and many a poor mother blessed the unseen

hands that laid food before her hungry little ones, and folded warm garments round their naked limbs. Many a

poor man wondered at the fair flowers that sprang up in his little gardenplot, cheering him with their bright

forms, and making his dreary home fair with their loveliness, and looked at his once barren field, where now

waved the golden corn, turning its broad leaues to the warm sun, and promising a store of golden ears to give

him food; while the careworn face grew bright, and the troubled heart filled with gratitude towards the

Thus time passed on, and though the exiled Fairies longed often for their home, still, knowing they did not

deserve it, they toiled on, hoping one day to see the friends they had lost; while the joy of their own hearts

"Listen, dear friends. I have a hard task to offer you. It is a great sacrifice for you lightloving Fairies to dwell

through the long winter in the dark, cold earth, watching over the flowerroots, to keep them free from the

little grubs and worms that seek to harm them. But in the sunny Spring when they bloom again, their love and

"It is a wearisome task, and I can give you no reward for all your tender care, but the blessings of the gentle

flowers you will have saved from death. Gladly would I aid you; but my winged friends are preparing for

their journey to warmer lands, and I must help them teach their little ones to fly, and see them safely on their

way. Then, through the winter, must I seek the dwellings of the poor and suffering, comfort the sick and

lonely, and give hope and courage to those who in their poverty are led astray. These things must I do; but

when the flowers bloom again I will be with you, to welcome back our friends from over the sea."

Then, with tears, the Fairies answered, "Ah, good little Bud, you have taken the hardest task yourself, and

who will repay you for all your deeds of tenderness and mercy in the great world? Should evil befall you, our

hearts would break. We will labor trustingly in the earth, and thoughts of you shall cheer us on; for without

you we had been worthless beings, and never known the joy that kindly actions bring. Yes, dear Bud, we will

gladly toil among the roots, that the fair flowers may wear their gayest robes to welcome you.

Then deep in the earth the Fairies dwelt, and no frost or snow could harm the blossoms they tended. Every

little seed was laid in the soft earth, watered, and watched. Tender roots were folded in withered leaves, that

no chilling drops might reach them; and safely dreamed the flowers, till summer winds should call them

forth; while lighter grew each Fairy heart, as every gentle deed was tenderly performed.

At length the snow was gone, and they heard little voices calling them to come up; but patiently they worked,

till seed and root were green and strong. Then, with eager feet, they hastened to the earth above, where, over

hill and valley, bright flowers and budding trees smiled in the warm sunlight, blossoms bent lovingly before

them, and rang their colored bells, till the fragrant air was full of music; while the stately trees waved their

Then came the merry birds, making the wood alive with their gay voices, calling to one another, as they flew

among the vines, building their little homes. Long waited the Elves, and at last she came with Father

BrownBreast. Happy days passed; and summer flowers were in their fullest beauty, when Bud bade the

Mounted on brightwinged butterflies, they flew over forest and meadow, till with joyful eyes they saw the

Before the gates they stood, and soon troops of loving Elves came forth to meet them. And on through the

sunny gardens they went, into the Lily Hall, where, among the golden stamens of a graceful flower, sat the

Queen; while on the broad, green leaves around it stood the brighteyed little maids of honor.

Then, amid the deep silence, little Bud, leading the Fairies to the throne, said,

"Dear Queen, I here bring back your subjects, wiser for their sorrow, better for their hard trial; and now might

any Queen be proud of them, and bow to learn from them that giving joy and peace to others brings it

fourfold to us, bearing a double happiness in the blessings to those we help. Through the dreary months,

when they might have dwelt among fair Southern flowers, beneath a smiling sky, they toiled in the dark and

silent earth, filling the hearts of the gentle Flower Spirits with grateful love, seeking no reward but the

knowledge of their own good deeds, and the joy they always bring. This they have done unmurmuringly and

alone; and now, far and wide, flower blessings fall upon them, and the summer winds bear the glad tidings

unto those who droop in sorrow, and new joy and strength it brings, as they look longingly for the friends

"Are they not worthy of your love, dear Queen? Have they not won their lovely home? Say they are

pardoned, and you have gained the love of hearts pure as the snowwhite robes now folded over them."

As Bud ceased, she touched the wondering Fairies with her wand, and the dark faded garments fell away; and

beneath, the robes of lilyleaves glittered pure and spotless in the sunlight. Then, while happy tears fell,

Queen DewDrop placed the bright crowns on the bowed heads of the kneeling Fairies, and laid before them

They turned to thank little Bud for all her patient love, but she was gone; and high above, in the clear air, they

She needed no reward but the joy she had given. The Fairy hearts were pure again, and her work was done;

"Now, little Sunbeam, what have you to tell us?" said the Queen, looking down on a brighteyed Elf, who sat

"I too, like StarTwinkle, have nothing but a song to offer," replied the Fairy; and then, while the

"Ah, that is very lovely," cried the Elves, gathering round little Sunbeam as she ceased, to place a garland in

"Now," said the Queen, "call hither Moonlight and SummerWind, for they have seen many pleasant things

"Most joyfully will we do our best, dear Queen," said the Elves, as they folded their wings beside her.

"Now, SummerWind," said Moonlight, "till your turn comes, do you sit here and fan me while I tell this tale

IN a large and pleasant garden sat little Annie all alone, and she seemed very sad, for drops that were not dew

fell fast upon the flowers beside her, who looked wonderingly up, and bent still nearer, as if they longed to

cheer and comfort her. The warm wind lifted up her shining hair and softly kissed her cheek, while the

sunbeams, looking most kindly in her face, made little rainbows in her tears, and lingered lovingly about her.

But Annie paid no heed to sun, or wind, or flower; still the bright tears fell, and she forgot all but her sorrow.

"Little Annie, tell me why you weep," said a low voice in her ear; and, looking up, the child beheld a little

figure standing on a vineleaf at her side; a lovely face smiled on her, from amid bright locks of hair, and

shining wings were folded on a white and glittering robe, that fluttered in the wind.

"I am a Fairy, little child, and am come to help and comfort you; now tell me why you weep, and let me be

your friend," replied the spirit, as she smiled more kindly still on Annie's wondering face.

"And are you really, then, a little Elf, such as I read of in my fairy books? Do you ride on butterflies, sleep in

"Yes, all these things I do, and many stranger still, that all your fairy books can never tell; but now, dear

Annie," said the Fairy, bending nearer, "tell me why I found no sunshine on your face; why are these great

drops shining on the flowers, and why do you sit alone when BIRD and BEE are calling you to play?"

"Ah, you will not love me any more if I should tell you all," said Annie, while the tears began to fall again; "I

am not happy, for I am not good; how shall I learn to be a patient, gentle child? good little Fairy, will you

"Gladly will I aid you, Annie, and if you truly wish to be a happy child, you first must learn to conquer many

passions that you cherish now, and make your heart a home for gentle feelings and happy thoughts; the task is

hard, but I will give this fairy flower to help and counsel you. Bend hither, that I may place it in your breast;

As thus she spoke, the Elf took from her bosom a graceful flower, whose snowwhite leaves shone with a

strange, soft light. "This is a fairy flower," said the Elf, "invisible to every eye save yours; now listen while I

tell its power, Annie. When your heart is filled with loving thoughts, when some kindly deed has been done,

some duty well performed, then from the flower there will arise the sweetest, softest fragrance, to reward and

gladden you. But when an unkind word is on your lips, when a selfish, angry feeling rises in your heart, or an

unkind, cruel deed is to be done, then will you hear the soft, low chime of the flowerbell; listen to its

warning, let the word remain unspoken, the deed undone, and in the quiet joy of your own heart, and the

"O kind and generous Fairy, how can I ever thank you for this lovely gift!" cried Annie. "I will be true, and

listen to my little bell whenever it may ring. But shall I never see YOU more? Ah! if you would only stay

"I cannot stay now, little Annie," said the Elf, "but when another Spring comes round, I shall be here again, to

see how well the fairy gift has done its work. And now farewell, dear child; be faithful to yourself, and the

Then the gentle Fairy folded her little arms around Annie's neck, laid a soft kiss on her cheek, and, spreading

wide her shining wings, flew singing up among the white clouds floating in the sky.

And little Annie sat among her flowers, and watched with wondering joy the fairy blossom shining on her

The pleasant days of Spring and Summer passed away, and in little Annie's garden Autumn flowers were

blooming everywhere, with each day's sun and dew growing still more beautiful and bright; but the fairy

flower, that should have been the loveliest of all, hung pale and drooping on little Annie's bosom; its

fragrance seemed quite gone, and the clear, low music of its warning chime rang often in her ear.

When first the Fairy placed it there, she had been pleased with her new gift, and for a while obeyed the fairy

bell, and often tried to win some fragrance from the flower, by kind and pleasant words and actions; then, as

the Fairy said, she found a sweet reward in the strange, soft perfume of the magic blossom, as it shone upon

her breast; but selfish thoughts would come to tempt her, she would yield, and unkind words fell from her

lips; and then the flower drooped pale and scentless, the fairy bell rang mournfully, Annie would forget her

At last she tried no longer, but grew angry with the faithful flower, and would have torn it from her breast;

but the fairy spell still held it fast, and all her angry words but made it ring a louder, sadder peal. Then she

paid no heed to the silvery music sounding in her ear, and each day grew still more unhappy, discontented,

and unkind; so, when the Autumn days came round, she was no better for the gentle Fairy's gift, and longed

for Spring, that it might be returned; for now the constant echo of the mournful music made her very sad.

One sunny morning, when the fresh, cool Winds were blowing, and not a cloud was in the sky, little Annie

walked among her flowers, looking carefully into each, hoping thus to find the Fairy, who alone could take

the magic blossom from her breast. But she lifted up their drooping leaves, peeped into their dewy cups in

vain; no little Elf lay hidden there, and she turned sadly from them all, saying, "I will go out into the fields

and woods, and seek her there. I will not listen to this tiresome music more, nor wear this withered flower

longer." So out into the fields she went, where the long grass rustled as she passed, and timid birds looked at

her from their nests; where lovely wildflowers nodded in the wind, and opened wide their fragrant leaves, to

welcome in the murmuring bees, while butterflies, like winged flowers, danced and glittered in the sun.

Little Annie looked, searched, and asked them all if any one could tell her of the Fairy whom she sought; but

the birds looked wonderingly at her with their soft, bright eyes, and still sang on; the flowers nodded wisely

on their stems, but did not speak, while butterfly and bee buzzed and fluttered away, one far too busy, the

Then she went through broad fields of yellow grain, that waved around her like a golden forest; here crickets

chirped, grasshoppers leaped, and busy ants worked, but they could not tell her what she longed to know.

"Now will I go among the hills," said Annie, "she may be there." So up and down the green hillsides went

her little feet; long she searched and vainly she called; but still no Fairy came. Then by the riverside she

went, and asked the gay dragonflies, and the cool white lilies, if the Fairy had been there; but the blue waves

Then into the forest little Annie went; and as she passed along the dim, cool paths, the woodflowers smiled

up in her face, gay squirrels peeped at her, as they swung amid the vines, and doves cooed softly as she

wandered by; but none could answer her. So, weary with her long and useless search, she sat amid the ferns,

and feasted on the rosy strawberries that grew beside her, watching meanwhile the crimson evening clouds

The nightwind rustled through the boughs, rocking the flowers to sleep; the wild birds sang their evening

hymns, and all within the wood grew calm and still; paler and paler grew the purple light, lower and lower

drooped little Annie's head, the tall ferns bent to shield her from the dew, the whispering pines sang a soft

lullaby; and when the Autumn moon rose up, her silver light shone on the child, where, pillowed on green

And all night long beside her stood the Fairy she had sought, and by elfin spell and charm sent to the sleeping

Little Annie dreamed she sat in her own garden, as she had often sat before, with angry feelings in her heart,

and unkind words upon her lips. The magic flower was ringing its soft warning, but she paid no heed to

anything, save her own troubled thoughts; thus she sat, when suddenly a low voice whispered in her ear,

"Little Annie, look and see the evil things that you are cherishing; I will clothe in fitting shapes the thoughts

and feelings that now dwell within your heart, and you shall see how great their power becomes, unless you

Then Annie saw, with fear and wonder, that the angry words she uttered changed to dark, unlovely forms,

each showing plainly from what fault or passion it had sprung. Some of the shapes had scowling faces and

bright, fiery eyes; these were the spirits of Anger. Others, with sullen, anxious looks, seemed gathering up all

they could reach, and Annie saw that the more they gained, the less they seemed to have; and these she knew

were shapes of Selfishness. Spirits of Pride were there, who folded their shadowy garments round them, and

turned scornfully away from all the rest. These and many others little Annie saw, which had come from her

When first she saw them, they were small and weak; but as she looked they seemed to grow and gather

strength, and each gained a strange power over her. She could not drive them from her sight, and they grew

ever stronger, darker, and more unlovely to her eyes. They seemed to cast black shadows over all around, to

dim the sunshine, blight the flowers, and drive away all bright and lovely things; while rising slowly round

her Annie saw a high, dark wal], that seemed to shut out everything she loved; she dared not move, or speak,

but, with a strange fear at her heart, sat watching the dim shapes that hovered round her.

Higher and higher rose the shadowy wall, slowly the flowers near her died, lingeringly the sunlight faded; but

at last they both were gone, and left her all alone behind the gloomy wall. Then the spirits gathered round her,

whispering strange things in her ear, bidding her obey, for by her own will she had yielded up her heart to be

their home, and she was now their slave. Then she could hear no more, but, sinking down among the withered

flowers, wept sad and bitter tears, for her lost liberty and joy; then through the gloom there shone a faint, soft

light, and on her breast she saw her fairy flower, upon whose snowwhite leaves her tears lay shining.

Clearer and brighter grew the radiant light, till the evil spirits turned away to the dark shadow of the wall, and

The light and perfume of the flower seemed to bring new strength to Annie, and she rose up, saying, as she

bent to kiss the blossom on her breast, "Dear flower, help and guide me now, and I will listen to your voice,

Then in her dream she felt how hard the spirits tried to tempt and trouble her, and how, but for her flower,

they would have led her back, and made all dark and dreary as before. Long and hard she struggled, and tears

often fell; but after each new trial, brighter shone her magic flower, and sweeter grew its breath, while the

spirits lost still more their power to tempt her. Meanwhile, green, flowering vines crept up the high, dark

wall, and hid its roughness from her sight; and over these she watched most tenderly, for soon, wherever

green leaves and flowers bloomed, the wall beneath grew weak, and fell apart. Thus little Annie worked and

hoped, till one by one the evil spirits fled away, and in their place came shining forms, with gentle eyes and

smiling lips, who gathered round her with such loving words, and brought such strength and joy to Annie's

heart, that nothing evil dared to enter in; while slowly sank the gloomy wall, and, over wreaths of fragrant

flowers, she passed out into the pleasant world again, the fairy gift no longer pale and drooping, but now

Then the low voice spoke again in Annie's sleeping ear, saying, "The dark, unlovely passions you have

looked upon are in your heart; watch well while they are few and weak, lest they should darken your whole

life, and shut out love and happiness for ever. Remember well the lesson of the dream, dear child, and let the

And with that voice sounding in her ear, little Annie woke to find it was a dream; but like other dreams it did

not pass away; and as she sat alone, bathed in the rosy morning light, and watched the forest waken into life,

she thought of the strange forms she had seen, and, looking down upon the flower on her breast, she silently

resolved to strive, as she had striven in her dream, to bring back light and beauty to its faded leaves, by being

what the Fairy hoped to render her, a patient, gentle little child. And as the thought came to her mind, the

flower raised its drooping head, and, looking up into the earnest little face bent over it, seemed by its fragrant

breath to answer Annie's silent thought, and strengthen her for what might come.

Meanwhile the forest was astir, birds sang their gay goodmorrows from tree to tree, while leaf and flower

turned to greet the sun, who rose up smiling on the world; and so beneath the forest boughs and through the

Autumn flowers were dead and gone, yellow leaves lay rustling on the ground, bleak winds went whistling

through the naked trees, and cold, white Winter snow fell softly down; yet now, when all without looked dark

and dreary, on little Annie's breast the fairy flower bloomed more beautiful than ever. The memory of her

forest dream had never passed away, and through trial and temptation she had been true, and kept her

resolution still unbroken; seldom now did the warning bell sound in her ear, and seldom did the flower's

fragrance cease to float about her, or the fairy light to brighten all whereon it fell.

So, through the long, cold Winter, little Annie dwelt like a sunbeam in her home, each day growing richer in

the love of others, and happier in herself; often was she tempted, but, remembering her dream, she listened

only to the music of the fairy bell, and the unkind thought or feeling fled away, the smiling spirits of

So better and happier grew the child, fairer and sweeter grew the flower, till Spring came smiling over the

earth, and woke the flowers, set free the streams, and welcomed back the birds; then daily did the happy child

sit among her flowers, longing for the gentle Elf to come again, that she might tell her gratitude for all the

At length, one day, as she sat singing in the sunny nook where all her fairest flowers bloomed, weary with

gazing at the faroff sky for the little form she hoped would come, she bent to look with joyful love upon her

bosom flower; and as she looked, its folded leaves spread wide apart, and, rising slowly from the deep white

cup, appeared the smiling face of the lovely Elf whose coming she had waited for so long.

"Dear Annie, look for me no longer; I am here on your own breast, for you have learned to love my gift, and

it has done its work most faithfully and well," the Fairy said, as she looked into the happy child's bright face,

"And now have I brought another gift from FairyLand, as a fit reward for you, dear child," she said, when

Annie had told all her gratitude and love; then, touching the child with her shining wand, the Fairy bid her

And suddenly the world seemed changed to Annie; for the air was filled with strange, sweet sounds, and all

around her floated lovely forms. In every flower sat little smiling Elves, singing gayly as they rocked amid

the leaves. On every breeze, bright, airy spirits came floating by; some fanned her cheek with their cool

breath, and waved her long hair to and fro, while others rang the flowerbells, and made a pleasant rustling

among the leaves. In the fountain, where the water danced and sparkled in the sun, astride of every drop she

saw merry little spirits, who plashed and floated in the clear, cool waves, and sang as gayly as the flowers, on

whom they scattered glittering dew. The tall trees, as their branches rustled in the wind, sang a low, dreamy

song, while the waving grass was filled with little voices she had never heard before. Butterflies whispered

lovely tales in her ear, and birds sang cheerful songs in a sweet language she had never understood before.

Earth and air seemed filled with beauty and with music she had never dreamed of until now.

"O tell me what it means, dear Fairy! is it another and a lovelier dream, or is the earth in truth so beautiful as

this?" she cried, looking with wondering joy upon the Elf, who lay upon the flower in her breast.

"Yes, it is true, dear child," replied the Fairy, "and few are the mortals to whom we give this lovely gift; what

to you is now so full of music and of light, to others is but a pleasant summer world; they never know the

language of butterfly or bird or flower, and they are blind to aIl that I have given you the power to see. These

fair things are your friends and playmates now, and they will teach you many pleasant lessons, and give you

many happy hours; while the garden where you once sat, weeping sad and bitter tears, is now brightened by

your own happiness, filled with loving friends by your own kindly thoughts and feelings; and thus rendered a

pleasant summer home for the gentle, happy child, whose bosom flower will never fade. And now, dear

Annie, I must go; but every Springtime, with the earliest flowers, will I come again to visit you, and bring

some fairy gift. Guard well the magic flower, that I may find all fair and bright when next I come."

Then, with a kind farewell, the gentle Fairy floated upward through the sunny air, smiling down upon the

child, until she vanished in the soft, white clouds, and little Annie stood alone in her enchanted garden, where

all was brightened with the radiant light, and fragrant with the perfume of her fairy flower.

When Moonlight ceased, SummerWind laid down her roseleaf fan, and, leaning back in her acorn cup, told

DOWN in the deep blue sea lived Ripple, a happy little WaterSpirit; all day long she danced beneath the

coral arches, made garlands of bright ocean flowers, or floated on the great waves that sparkled in the

sunlight; but the pastime that she loved best was lying in the manycolored shells upon the shore, listening to

the low, murmuring music the waves had taught them long ago; and here for hours the little Spirit lay

But when tempests rose, she hastened down below the stormy billows, to where all was calm and still, and

with her sister Spirits waited till it should be fair again, listening sadly, meanwhile, to the cries of those

whom the wild waves wrecked and cast into the angry sea, and who soon came floating down, pale and cold,

to the Spirits' pleasant home; then they wept pitying tears above the lifeless forms, and laid them in quiet

This was Ripple's only grief, and she often thought of those who sorrowed for the friends they loved, who

now slept far down in the dim and silent coral caves, and gladly would she have saved the lives of those who

lay around her; but the great ocean was far mightier than all the tenderhearted Spirits dwelling in its bosom.

Thus she could only weep for them, and lay them down to sleep where no cruel waves could harm them

One day, when a fearful storm raged far and wide, and the Spirits saw great billows rolling like heavy clouds

above their heads, and heard the wild winds sounding far away, down through the foaming waves a little

child came floating to their home; its eyes were closed as if in sleep, the long hair fell like seaweed round its

pale, cold face, and the little hands still clasped the shells they had been gathering on the beach, when the

With tender tears the Spirits laid the little form to rest upon its bed of flowers, and, singing mournful songs,

as if to make its sleep more calm and deep, watched long and lovingly above it, till the storm had died away,

While Ripple sang above the little child, through the distant roar of winds and waves she heard a wild,

sorrowing voice, that seemed to call for help. Long she listened, thinking it was but the echo of their own

plaintive song, but high above the music still sounded the sad, wailing cry. Then, stealing silently away, she

glided up through foam and spray, till, through the parting clouds, the sunlight shone upon her from the

tranquil sky; and, guided by the mournful sound, she floated on, till, close before her on the beach, she saw a

woman stretching forth her arms, and with a sad, imploring voice praying the restless sea to give her back the

little child it had so cruelly borne away. But the waves dashed foaming up among the bare rocks at her feet,

When Ripple saw the mother's grief, she longed to comfort her; so, bending tenderly beside her, where she

knelt upon the shore, the little Spirit told her how her child lay softly sleeping, far down in a lovely place,

where sorrowing tears were shed, and gentle hands laid garlands over him. But all in vain she whispered

"Dear Spirit, can you use no charm or spell to make the waves bring back my child, as full of life and strength

as when they swept him from my side? O give me back my little child, or let me lie beside him in the bosom

"Most gladly will I help you if I can, though I have little power to use; then grieve no more, for I will search

both earth and sea, to find some friend who can bring back all you have lost. Watch daily on the shore, and if

I do not come again, then you will know my search has been in vain. Farewell, poor mother, you shall see

your little child again, if Fairy power can win him back." And with these cheering words Ripple sprang into

the sea; while, smiling through her tears, the woman watched the gentle Spirit, till her bright crown vanished

When Ripple reached her home, she hastened to the palace of the Queen, and told her of the little child, the

"Good little Ripple," said the Queen, when she had told her all, "your promise never can be kept; there is no

power below the sea to work this charm, and you can never reach the FireSpirits' home, to win from them a

flame to warm the little body into life. I pity the poor mother, and would most gladly help her; but alas! I am

"Ah, dear Queen! if you had seen her sorrow, you too would seek to keep the promise I have made. I cannot

let her watch for ME in vain, till I have done my best: then tell me where the FireSpirits dwell, and I will

ask of them the flame that shall give life to the little child and such great happiness to the sad, lonely mother:

"It is far, far away, high up above the sun, where no Spirit ever dared to venture yet," replied the Queen. "I

cannot show the path, for it is through the air. Dear Ripple, do not go, for you can never reach that distant

place: some harm most surely will befall; and then how shall we live, without our dearest, gentlest Spirit?

Stay here with us in your own pleasant home, and think more of this, for I can never let you go."

But Ripple would not break the promise she had made, and besought so earnestly, and with such pleading

words, that the Queen at last with sorrow gave consent, and Ripple joyfully prepared to go. She, with her

sister Spirits, built up a tomb of delicate, brightcolored shells, wherein the child might lie, till she should

come to wake him into life; then, praying them to watch most faithfully above it, she said farewell, and

"I will search the broad earth till I find a path up to the sun, or some kind friend who will carry me; for, alas!

I have no wings, and cannot glide through the blue air as through the sea," said Ripple to herself, as she went

Long she journeyed through the pathless ocean, with no friends to cheer her, save the white seabirds who

went sweeping by, and only stayed to dip their wide wings at her side, and then flew silently away.

Sometimes great ships sailed by, and then with longing eyes did the little Spirit gaze up at the faces that

looked down upon the sea; for often they were kind and pleasant ones, and she gladly would have called to

them and asked them to be friends. But they would never understand the strange, sweet language that she

spoke, or even see the lovely face that smiled at them above the waves; her blue, transparent garments were

but water to their eyes, and the pearl chains in her hair but foam and sparkling spray; so, hoping that the sea

would be most gentle with them, silently she floated on her way, and left them far behind.

At length green hills were seen, and the waves gladly bore the little Spirit on, till, rippling gently over soft

"Ah, what a lovely place it is!" said Ripple, as she passed through sunny valleys, where flowers began to

"Why are you all so gay, dear birds?" she asked, as their cheerful voices sounded far and near; "is there a

"Do you not know that Spring is coming? The warm winds whispered it days ago, and we are learning the

sweetest songs, to welcome her when she shall come," sang the lark, soaring away as the music gushed from

"And shall I see her, Violet, as she journeys over the earth?" asked Ripple again.

"Yes, you will meet her soon, for the sunlight told me she was near; tell her we long to see her again, and are

waiting to welcome her back," said the blue flower, dancing for joy on her stem, as she nodded and smiled on

"I will ask Spring where the FireSpirits dwell; she travels over the earth each year, and surely can show me

Soon she saw Spring come smiling over the earth; sunbeams and breezes floated before, and then, with her

white garments covered with flowers, with wreaths in her hair, and dewdrops and seeds falling fast from her

"Dear Spring, will you listen, and help a poor little Spirit, who seeks far and wide for the FireSpirits'

home?" cried Ripple; and then told why she was there, and begged her to tell what she sought.

"The FireSpirits' home is far, far away, and I cannot guide you there; but Summer is coming behind me,"

said Spring, "and she may know better than I. But I will give you a breeze to help you on your way; it will

never tire nor fail, but bear you easily over land and sea. Farewell, little Spirit! I would gladly do more, but

"Many thanks, kind Spring!" cried Ripple, as she floated away on the breeze; "give a kindly word to the

mother who waits on the shore, and tell her I have not forgotten my vow, but hope soon to see her again."

Then Spring flew on with her sunshine and flowers, and Ripple went swiftly over hill and vale, till she came

to the land where Summer was dwelling. Here the sun shone warmly down on the early fruit, the winds blew

freshly over fields of fragrant hay, and rustled with a pleasant sound among the green leaves in the forests;

heavy dews fell softly down at night, and long, bright days brought strength and beauty to the blossoming

"Now I must seek for Summer," said Ripple, as she sailed slowly through the sunny sky.

"I am here, what would you with me, little Spirit?" said a musical voice in her ear; and, floating by her side,

she saw a graceful form, with green robes fluttering in the air, whose pleasant face looked kindly on her, from

beneath a crown of golden sunbeams that cast a warm, bright glow on all beneath.

"I can tell no more than my young sister Spring where you may find the Spirits that you seek; but I too, like

her, will give a gift to aid you. Take this sunbeam from my crown; it will cheer and brighten the most gloomy

path through which you pass. Farewell! I shall carry tidings of you to the watcher by the sea, if in my journey

And Summer, giving her the sunbeam, passed away over the distant hills, leaving all green and bright behind

So Ripple journeyed on again, till the earth below her shone with ye]low harvests waving in the sun, and the

air was filled with cheerful voices, as the reapers sang among the fields or in the pleasant vineyards, where

purple fruit hung gleaming through the leaves; while the sky above was cloudless, and the changing

foresttrees shone like a manycolored garland, over hill and plain; and here, along the ripening cornfields,

with bright wreaths of crimson leaves and golden wheatears in her hair and on her purple mantle, stately

Autumn passed, with a happy smile on her calm face, as she went scattering generous gifts from her full

But when the wandering Spirit came to her, and asked for what she sought, this season, like the others, could

not tell her where to go; so, giving her a yellow leaf, Autumn said, as she passed on,

"Ask Winter, little Ripple, when you come to his cold home; he knows the FireSpirits well, for when he

comes they fly to the earth, to warm and comfort those dwelling there; and perhaps he can tell you where they

are. So take this gift of mine, and when you meet his chilly winds, fold it about you, and sit warm beneath its

shelter, till you come to sunlight again. I will carry comfort to the patient woman, as my sisters have already

Then on went the nevertiring Breeze, over forest, hill, and field, till the sky grew dark, and bleak winds

whistled by. Then Ripple, folded in the soft, warm leaf, looked sadly down on the earth, that seemed to lie so

desolate and still beneath its shroud of snow, and thought how bitter cold the leaves and flowers must be; for

the little WaterSpirit did not know that Winter spread a soft white covering above their beds, that they might

safely sleep below till Spring should waken them again. So she went sorrowfully on, till Winter, riding on the

strong NorthWind, came rushing by, with a sparkling icecrown in his streaming hair, while from beneath

his crimson cloak, where glittering frostwork shone like silver threads, he scattered snowflakes far and

"What do you seek with me, fair little Spirit, that you come so bravely here amid my ice and snow? Do not

fear me; I am warm at heart, though rude and cold without," said Winter, looking kindly on her, while a

bright smile shone like sunlight on his pleasant face, as it glowed and glistened in the frosty air.

When Ripple told him why she had come, he pointed upward, where the sunlight dimly shone through the

"Far off there, beside the sun, is the FireSpirits' home; and the only path is up, through cloud and mist. It is a

long, strange path, for a lonely little Spirit to be going; the Fairies are wild, wilful things, and in their play

may harm and trouble you. Come back with me, and do not go this dangerous journey to the sky. I'll gladly

But Ripple said, "I cannot turn back now, when I am nearly there. The Spirits surely will not harm me, when

I tell them why I am come; and if I win the flame, I shall be the happiest Spirit in the sea, for my promise will

be kept, and the poor mother happy once again. So farewell, Winter! Speak to her gently, and tell her to hope

"Adieu, little Ripple! May good angels watch above you! Journey bravely on, and take this snowflake that

will never melt, as MY gift," Winter cried, as the NorthWind bore him on, leaving a cloud of falling snow

"Now, dear Breeze," said Ripple, "fly straight upward through the air, until we reach the place we have so

long been seeking; Sunbeam shall go before to light the way, Yellowleaf shall shelter me from heat and

rain, while Snowflake shall lie here beside me till it comes of use. So farewell to the pleasant earth, until we

When Ripple first began her airy journey, all was dark and dreary; heavy clouds lay piled like hills around

her, and a cold mist filled the air but the Sunbeam, like a star, lit up the way, the leaf lay warmly round her,

and the tireless wind went swiftly on. Higher and higher they floated up, still darker and darker grew the air,

closer the damp mist gathered, while the black clouds rolled and tossed, like great waves, to and fro. "Ah!"

sighed the weary little Spirit, "shall I never see the light again, or feel the warm winds on my cheek? It is a

dreary way indeed, and but for the Seasons' gifts I should have perished long ago; but the heavy clouds

MUST pass away at last, and all be fair again. So hasten on, good Breeze, and bring me quickly to my

Soon the cold vapors vanished from her path, and sunshine shone upon her pleasantly; so she went gayly on,

till she came up among the stars, where many new, strange sights were to be seen. With wondering eyes she

looked upon the bright worlds that once seemed dim and distant, when she gazed upon them from the sea; but

now they moved around her, some shining with a softly radiant light, some circled with bright, manycolored

rings, while others burned with a red, angry glare. Ripple would have gladly stayed to watch them longer, for

she fancied low, sweet voices called her, and lovely faces seemed to look upon her as she passed; but higher

up still, nearer to the sun, she saw a faroff light, that glittered like a brilliant crimson star, and seemed to

"The FireSpirits surely must be there, and I must stay no longer here," said Ripple. So steadily she floated

on, till straight before her lay a broad, bright path, that led up to a golden arch, beyond which she could see

shapes flitting to and fro. As she drew near, brighter glowed the sky, hotter and hotter grew the air, till

Ripple's leafcloak shrivelled up, and could no longer shield her from the heat; then she unfolded the white

snowflake, and, gladly wrapping the soft, cool mantle round her, entered through the shining arch.

Through the red mist that floated all around her, she could see high walls of changing light, where orange,

blue, and violet flames went flickering to and fro, making graceful figures as they danced and glowed; and

underneath these rainbow arches, little Spirits glided, far and near, wearing crowns of fire, beneath which

flashed their wild, bright eyes; and as they spoke, sparks dropped quickly from their lips, and Ripple saw

with wonder, through their garments of transparent light, that in each Fairy's breast there burned a steady

As thus she stood, the Spirits gathered round her, and their hot breath would have scorched her, but she drew

"Take me to your Queen, that I may tell her why I am here, and ask for what I seek."

So, through long halls of manycolored fire, they led her to a Spirit fairer than the rest, whose crown of

flames waved to and fro like golden plumes, while, underneath her violet robe, the light within her breast

"This is our Queen," the Spirits said, bending low before her, as she turned her gleaming eyes upon the

Then Ripple told how she had wandered round the world in search of them, how the Seasons had most kindly

helped her on, by giving Sunbeam, Breeze, Leaf, and Flake; and how, through many dangers, she had come

at last to ask of them the magic flame that could give life to the little child again.

When she had told her tale, the spirits whispered earnestly among themselves, while sparks fell thick and fast

"We cannot give the flame you ask, for each of us must take a part of it from our own breasts; and this we

will not do, for the brighter our bosomfire burns, the lovelier we are. So do not ask us for this thing; but any

other gift we will most gladly give, for we feel kindly towards you, and will serve you if we may."

But Ripple asked no other boon, and, weeping sadly, begged them not to send her back without the gift she

"O dear, warmhearted Spirits! give me each a little light from your own breasts, and surely they will glow

the brighter for this kindly deed; and I will thankfully repay it if I can." As thus she spoke, the Queen, who

"If you will give me those bright, sparkling stones, I will bestow on you a part of my own flame; for we have

no such lovely things to wear about our necks, and I desire much to have them. Will you give it me for what I

Joyfully Ripple gave her the chain; but, as soon as it touched her hand, the jewels melted like snow, and fell

in bright drops to the ground; at this the Queen's eyes flashed, and the Spirits gathered angrily about poor

Ripple, who looked sadly at the broken chain, and thought in vain what she could give, to win the thing she

"I have many fairer gems than these, in my home below the sea; and I will bring all I can gather far and wide,

if you will grant my prayer, and give me what I seek," she said, turning gently to the fiery Spirits, who were

"You must bring us each a jewel that will never vanish from our hands as these have done," they said, "and

we will each give of our fire; and when the child is brought to life, you must bring hither all the jewels you

can gather from the depths of the sea, that we may try them here among the flames; but if they melt away like

these, then we shall keep you prisoner, till you give us back the light we lend. If you consent to this, then take

our gift, and journey home again; but fail not to return, or we shall seek you out."

And Ripple said she would consent, though she knew not if the jewels could be found; still, thinking of the

promise she had made, she forgot all else, and told the Spirits what they asked most surely should be done.

So each one gave a little of the fire from their breasts, and placed the flame in a crystal vase, through which it

Then, bidding her remember all she had promised them, they led her to the golden arch, and said farewell.

So, down along the shining path, through mist and cloud, she travelled back; till, far below, she saw the broad

Gladly she plunged into the clear, cool waves, and floated back to her pleasant home; where the Spirits

gathered joyfully about her, listening with tears and smiles, as she told all her many wanderings, and showed

"Now come," said they, "and finish the good work you have so bravely carried on." So to the quiet tomb they

went, where, like a marble image, cold and still, the little child was lying. Then Ripple placed the flame upon

his breast, and watched it gleam and sparkle there, while light came slowly back into the once dim eyes, a

rosy glow shone over the pale face, and breath stole through the parted lips; still brighter and warmer burned

the magic fire, until the child awoke from his long sleep, and looked in smiling wonder at the faces bending

Then Ripple sang for joy, and, with her sister Spirits, robed the child in graceful garments, woven of bright

seaweed, while in his shining hair they wreathed long garlands of their fairest flowers, and on his little arms

"Now come with us, dear child," said Ripple; "we will bear you safely up into the sunlight and the pleasant

air; for this is not your home, and yonder, on the shore, there waits a loving friend for you."

So up they went, through foam and spray, till on the beach, where the fresh winds played among her falling

hair, and the waves broke sparkling at her feet, the lonely mother still stood, gazing wistfully across the sea.

Suddenly, upon a great blue billow that came rolling in, she saw the WaterSpirits smiling on her; and high

aloft, in their white gleaming arms, her child stretched forth his hands to welcome her; while the little voice

"See, dear mother, I am come; and look what lovely things the gentle Spirits gave, that I might seem more

Then gently the great wave broke, and rolled back to the sea, leaving Ripple on the shore, and the child

"O faithful little Spirit! I would gladly give some precious gift to show my gratitude for this kind deed; but I

have nothing save this chain of little pearls: they are the tears I shed, and the sea has changed them thus, that I

might offer them to you," the happy mother said, when her first joy was passed, and Ripple turned to go.

"Yes, I will gladly wear your gift, and look upon it as my fairest ornament," the WaterSpirit said; and with

the pearls upon her breast, she left the shore, where the child was playing gayly to and fro, and the mother's

And now another task was to be done; her promise to the FireSpirits must be kept. So far and wide she

searched among the caverns of the sea, and gathered all the brightest jewels shining there; and then upon her

The Spirits gladly welcomed her, and led her to the Queen, before whom she poured out the sparkling gems

she had gathered with such toil and care; but when the Spirits tried to form them into crowns, they trickled

from their hands like colored drops of dew, and Ripple saw with fear and sorrow how they melted one by one

away, till none of all the many she had brought remained. Then the FireSpirits looked upon her angrily, and

"Do not keep me prisoner here. I cannot breathe the flames that give you life, and but for this snowmantle I

too should melt away, and vanish like the jewels in your hands. O dear Spirits, give me some other task, but

let me go from this warm place, where all is strange and fearful to a Spirit of the sea."

They would not listen; and drew nearer, saying, while bright sparks showered from their lips, "We will not let

you go, for you have promised to be ours if the gems you brought proved worthless; so fling away this cold

white cloak, and bathe with us in the fire fountains, and help us bring back to our bosom flames the light we

Then Ripple sank down on the burning floor, and felt that her life was nearly done; for she well knew the hot

air of the firepalace would be death to her. The Spirits gathered round, and began to lift her mantle off; but

underneath they saw the pearl chain, shining with a clear, soft light, that only glowed more brightly when

"O give us this!" cried they; "it is far lovelier than all the rest, and does not melt away like them; and see how

brilliantly it glitters in our hands. If we may but have this, all will be well, and you are once more free."

And Ripple, safe again beneath her snow flake, gladly gave the chain to them; and told them how the pearls

they now placed proudly on their breasts were formed of tears, which but for them might still be flowing.

Then the Spirits smiled most kindly on her, and would have put their arms about her, and have kissed her

cheek, but she drew back, telling them that every touch of theirs was like a wound to her.

"Then, if we may not tell our pleasure so, we will show it in a different way, and give you a pleasant journey

home. Come out with us," the Spirits said, "and see the bright path we have made for you." So they led her to

the lofty gate, and here, from sky to earth, a lovely rainbow arched its radiant colors in the sun.

"This is indeed a pleasant road," said Ripple. "Thank you, friendly Spirits, for your care; and now farewell. I

would gladly stay yet longer, but we cannot dwell together, and I am longing sadly for my own cool home.

Now Sunbeam, Breeze, Leaf, and Flake, fly back to the Seasons whence you came, and tell them that, thanks

Then down along the shining pathway spread before her, the happy little Spirit glided to the sea.

"Thanks, dear SummerWind," said the Queen; "we will remember the lessons you have each taught us, and

when next we meet in Fern Dale, you shall tell us more. And now, dear Trip, call them from the lake, for the

The Elves gathered about their Queen, and while the rustling leaves were still, and the flowers' sweet voices

As the music ceased, with a soft, rustling sound the Elves spread their shining wings, and flew silently over

the sleeping earth; the flowers closed their bright eyes, the little winds were still, for the feast was over, and