The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1881-06-15
A Story About a Princess.

Edna sat, in the twilight of winter
day, rocking comfortably before the fire
in Aunt Annals room For some time
she watched the blaze without speaking,
but at length, rousing herself from her
reverie, she said:
"Isn it almost time for us to have an
other talk, Aunt Anna?"
"Well, yes, Edna. l have been think
ing all day of story I should like to
tell you. Though you are fourteen, you
have not quite outgrown your love for
stories, hope"
"No, indeed. believe 1 shall be lit
tie girl as far as that goes, till I am forty.
Please begin, am all attention"
was great king, who gave his daughter
an ivory palace, as a birthday present.
The walls were so translucent that the
fires within the walls impaired to them
pale, rosy flush. The windows were of
tinted crystal, hung with soft curtains
edged with fringes. The gateway was
adorned with rubies and pearls. Within
were numberless servants, who waited
upon the princess, and by a wonderful
contrivance she was able to give her
orders without the aid of speech Some
of them stood at the windows, and others
at the gates to bring her news of all that
went on outside the palace. Some
painted wonderful pictures, that changed
as she gazed, on magic mirrors. Some
tended the fires and provided food for
the household But though the servants
were we'll taught and willing none of
them had ever seen the great king, only
the princes herself could hold communion
with him. To her he gave charge of the
house, she must keep it in order, she must
see to it that the walls were scrubbed and
draped with tapestry, that the windows
were washed and the gate cleansed daily,
for the servants did only what they were
told If she neglected her duty, the rest
lapsed into idleness. For a while all
went well, but at last. the palace. was OBJ
served to fall into decay The servants
had been allowed to grow careless, the
fires burned low for they became clogged
with rubbish, the windows grew cloudy,
and the princess lost in measure the
control of the household How do you
suppose she regained her power over the
servants, and put the palace in order?'
I'm sure don't know, Aunt Anna,
this is too deep parable for me,
answered Edna, looking, however, lit
tie conscious as her eyes rested on her
hands and she noticed that they were
not quite clean. "How was it p
"She washed her face and started out
for a walk" said Aunt Anna, briskly.
{" My dear Edna, you wish me to have a
talk with you, why should we not discuss
your treatment of your ivory palace
Your mother is busy with many cares.
She takes it for granted that you have
learned several duties and perform them
regularly. But do you? You came to
the breakfast-table this morning with
your hair up in crimps, and / am sure
you had not used your nailbrusn."
well, you see" began Edna apollo
getically, 81 did not getup when the bell
rang. was lazy "
Like my princess2"
Yes, I suppose so. l hurried all
could, but could hardly get dressed in
time OF course l could not be very
particular. AS to the crimps, if / take
them down for breakfast they will all be
spoiled for school"
And you think more Of the admira.
ton Of schoolmates than your father
approval, Edna. / noticed that he
looked annoyed when you entered. the
room. / should not wear crimps if they
interfered with the good opinion Of my
family and my own self-respect."