The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1890-06-06
'TYou would like change said the


Yes" said Mrs Quiverfull.
Suddenly there was a ringing Of bells
in her ears--no, not quite like bells,
eitherj rather the mur1nur of 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. Sher 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 II
miss was.
What delightful bath! what delight
full towels? what delicious breakfast
afterward The post brought invitations
to lunches, to afternoon teas, to theatre
parties. What happy lifei And here
was the new novel, and time to read II
in. But as she firted the pages little
voice called, "Good-by, papa" and peep
ing out of her window she saw a little
man with red whiskers come out Of the
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 baby In her arms,
and she fred 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 Jiml It's my
husbandl Oh, oh, obi There are my
childrenl That's my baby! That's me!
No, l mean 1t isn't me. I'm somebody
else. Oh, oh, dearl Oh, dear mel OH"
Are you i'll, missp Can do anything?"
simpered the maid, popping in at. this
junoture
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 slender blonde in a morning
robe.
Jim never would believe it was me if
/ swore It'll" she exclaimed, wringing her
hands "And she would not give him
up, l know. Oh, let her alone for that
Oh, miserable wretch that aml''
Miserable alreadyY' 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, a
maid, plenty Of friends-all that heart
can wishp Aren't you Miss Stickleback,
as you wished to beF'
Ibid wish itr' moaned poor Mrs.
| Quiverfull. "Oh, what an idiot I was,
when had lovely baby, and darling
children, and such a dear, dear husband
as my Jim. Now I'm 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
babyr she screamed.
Here 1t is," said somebody.
Had nightmare, wifelet2 Well,
never! Thought some one had stoler
baby? l only took it down stairs so thai
you might sleep bit. I've made the fir,
and the coffee. Feel betterr'
"Oh, I'm at home," sighed Mrs. Quiv
erfull, clutching the infant "rve go
you safe-Ive got them all. What
happy woman l am! Come and kiss me
Jim. Really, have got your
"Tve been thinking, Amelia, that per
haps l wasn't much Of husband" sal,
Quiverfull, relieving his feelings at last
THAT you were a little tired Of me an,
of getting along on such small salary
and all. It's not a very lively life
"Oh, Jimr' said Amelia, don't sa
that. I was cross yesterday, but
wouldn't be anybody else but me 70
anything Nobody else has such a mic
husband and children, and as for bs
by"-
"She is wonderr' said Mr.. Quivel
full. "She is like you'll"
And from that day to this Mrs. Qui'
erfull has never envied Miss Sticklebacl
and, though, to be sure, all that abor
the fairy was stupid dream, has neve
uttered any rash wishes aloud.-Mar
Kyle Dallas in Fireside Companion.