Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-09-07

daughters might learn with Linda; and she
bought them beautiful books with gay pict-
ures. But they were lazy, and although
the Old woman scolded and scolded, they
would not study. Soon the pretty book,
became soiled and torn, and finally were
lost Then Linda must search all day for
the missing hooks, but they were nowhere
10 be seen. When night came the mother
said to Linda: at you do not find the books
in the morning you shall receive a severe
beating"
The little girl was very sad; and that
night when the house was quiet, and her
mother and sisters were fast asleep, she
rose from her little couch, and needless of
Ihv darkness wandered forth into the
toIeSt. As she neared a crystal spring,
gushing from the rock, bright light fell
around her and she heard a silvery voice
saying: "The fairy Blanka is neal, and she
viii help you"
Then sinking to the ground, she fell into
a deep sleep. When she awoke, the bright
sun was bidding her good morning, and in
her lap, lay the lost books At her side,
stood 2 small cart, drawn by three white
owls, one of which, in a rough, hoarse voice
said, "The fairy Blanka has sent US to carry
you home" The little girl quickly mounted
the fairy chariot, the owls tapped their
wings, ard away they went, so swiftly that
they reached Linda's home before her
mother and sisters had awakened.
Now the old woman wished to teach her
pupils fine needle work. As before, Linda
applied herself so diligently that she was
soon as skIlltul as her teacher. But although
her sisters had golden needles and The finest
of silk with which to sew, they would take
IL Al
needles in order to escape the hated sewing.
When the mother learned that the needles
were lost she commanded Linda to find them.
The little girl sought ali day without find
ing the object of her search. At night the
mother said: Tomorrow you must find the
needles or you can no longer live in this
house"
The child was greatly frightened, and de-
termined to 90 again in quest of her kind
friend, the fairy. So when everyone was
sleeping, she quietly left her room. and
walking through the silent, deserted streets,
came TO large meadow, which was so broad
that even in the bright moonlight, Linda
could not see the other side. On the little
girl wandered until, weary and footsore, she
sank on the shore of brooklet running
through the meadow.
Please, kind fairy, help me-" she cried,
VISIONS
OF fairyland. She was aroused by some
thing tugging at her dress, and on looking
up she saw tiny humming bird holding
the golden needles in its mouth. Beside
her stood the fairy chariot, having for steeds
Elk white swans, which arched their necks.
znG cried: 1.-The fairy Bianka bids you
awake and hasten to your home"
Linda obeyed the wishes of the fairy.
Great was the astoHishment of the step
mother and her daughters when they learned
that the golden needles had been really
tognd.
In a short time the old woman made an
other visit 10 Linda's home, and showing
bag o: pearls said: 81 am faint and hun
CRY. To the one who will cook me the best
meal shall give this bag of pearls"
Each one wished TO possess the jewels and
went to work 10 prepare the meal. But one
burnt the meat and the other did not cook it
enough. Linda, alone, made ready that
which satisfied the old woman's hunger; and
as reward was given the bag of pearls.
The mother was very angry that neither OF
her daughters mad received the Jewels, and
as soon as the visitor had taken her de.
parture the pearls were taken FROM Linda
and given 10 her elder sister, who became
NeTY naughty, and treated the poor step-
child worse than ever. Suddenly tie pearls
disappeared, and although neighbors and
friends Joined in the search, no trace of the
missing jewels could be found. Finally.
tie mother said: LINDA, you have found
tic books and the golden needles, and now
you nast fad the pearls. If YOU do not
hud them by tomorrow morning 1 shall
beat you and drive you from the house."
Linda vert bitterly and begged her
mother not 10 be so cruel; but the mother
r,aGe 40 reply, except TO repeat her threats.
That nI2at 'he littlc girl could not sIeep.
She had almost 'orsotteu, in her trouble.
Ihe good fairy, who had been so kind to her.