The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1890-05-16
VOL. XXXV-NO. 20.
.I-don't like" faltered Mrs. Culver.

''I-don't like" faltered Mrs. Culver.
full-"I feeT-
ooh, you want to get up and cook
breakfast, I suppose" said the fairy.
"Well, tastes differ. shouldn't"
"Oh, I don't, either" sighed Mrs.
Quiverfun. "Only"-
sFYou would like a change" said the
fairy.
eyes," said Mrs. Quiverfun.
Suddenly there was ringing Of bells
in her ears-no, not quite like bells.
either; rather the murmur of a swarm OF
bees. She was rising, floating, flying.
She opened her eyes upon room full OF
pale, rosy light. The perfume from a
bunch Of jack roses came to her. The
quilt that covered her was of softest silk;
the sleeves, of her nightgown was of rich
lace. She recognized the lovely lounging
chair in which Miss Stickleback lolled
half the day. The fairy had kept her
promise. She had become the free,
happy, rich Miss Stickleback.
Shortly maid entered the room and
whispered that the bath was ready il
miss was.
What delightful bath! what delight
full towels? what a delicious breakfast
afterward? The post brought invitations
to lunches, to afternoon teas, to theatre
parties. What happy life! And her
was the new novel, and time to read
in. But as she firted the pages ittlF
voice called, "Good-by, papa" and peep
ing out of her window she saw ittl{:
man with red whiskers come out Of tho
gate of tiny cottage, followed by five
little boys. He kissed them all round
and jumped each one over the fence
Then there was pretty woman In blue
calico wrapper with a baby in her arms,
and she fixed his cravat for him, and he
kissed them both. Then he stopped on
the corner and waved his hand before he
took the car.
''Oh, it's JIM" cried the false Miss
Stickleback. "Oh, it's Jim! ITS my
husband! Oh, oh, OIL There are my
children! That's my babyl That's me!
No, I mean it isn't me. I'm somebody
else. Oh, oh, dear! Oh; dear me! Ohr
care you i'll, miss? Can do anything"
simpered the maid, popping in at this
juncture.
"You can go away" said the trans
formed Mrs. Quiverfull, snappishly.
The maid vanished. -
"What shall dor" moaned Mrs. Quiv-
erfull. Instead of plump brunette she
beheld a slender blonde in a morning
robe.
"Jim never would believe it was me if
swore itr she exclaimed, wringing her
hands. Sand she would not give him
up, know. Oh, let her alone for that!
Oh, miserable wretch that ami"
Miserable alreadyT cried voice that
she knew, and there on her dressing table
stood the little old fairy. Haven't you
money? Haven't you fine clothes,
maid, plenty of friends that heart
can wish? Aren't you Miss Stickleback,
as you wished to be?"
"Did I wish it?' 1noaned poor Mrs.
Quivarfull. "Oh, what an idiot T was,
when had a lovely baby, and darling
children, and such dear, dear husband
as my Jim. Now Pm all alone in the
world. Change me back"
The old fairy shook her head, and Mrs.
Quiverfull in despair threw herself wild
ly upon the bed.
"Give me back my husband! Give
me back my children! Give me back my
baby!" she screamed.
Here it is" said somebody.
"Had nightmare, wifelet? Well, I
never! Thought some one had stolen
baby? 1 only took it down stairs so that
you might sleep bit. I've made the fire
and the coffee. Feel better"
"Oh, I'm at home" sighed Mrs. Quiv-
erfull, clutching the infant. ''rve got
you safe-Tve got them all What
happy woman am! Come and kiss me,
Jim. Really, have got your"
'I've been thinking, Amelia, that per-
haps I wasn't much of husband" said
Quiverfull, relieving his feelings at last.
"That you were little tired Of me and
of getting along on such small salary,
and all. It's not very lively life"-
"Oh, JIM" said Amelia, 'tdon't say
that. 1 was cross yesterday, but I
wouldn't be anybody else but me for
anything. Nobody else has such nice
husband and children, and as for ba-
by
''She is wonder!' said Mr.. Culver
full. "She is like your
And from that day to this Mrs. Quiv-
erfull has never envied Miss Stickleback,
and, though, to be sure, all that about
the fairy was stupid dream, has never
uttered any rash wishes aloud.-Mary
Kyle Dallas in Fireside Companion