The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1890-07-04

have good time, but she wants nus
band and offspring, so, if you like, I'll
say few words, wave my hand ana
change you. You shall be the wealthy
sinister, she the overworked married
woman"
"I-don't like" faltered Mrs. Culver
fulfil feel"-
"Oh, you want to get up and cook
breakfast, l suppose" said the fairy.
"Well, tastes differ. I shouldn't"
"Oh, l don't, either" sighed Mrs.
Quiverfull. "Only"-
fairy.
eyes," said Mrs. Quiverfull.
Suddenly there was ringing Of bells
in her ears-no, not quite like bells,
either; rather the murmur OF swarm OF
bees. She was rising, floating, flying.
She opened her eyes upon room full OF
pale, rosy light. The perfume from
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 Longing
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 a maid entered the room and
whispered that the bath was ready if
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 here
was the new novel, and time to read it
in. But as she firted the pages little
voice called, "Good-by, papa" and peep
ing out of her window she saw 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 a blue
calico wrapper with 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 Jiml' cried the false Miss
Stickleback. "Oh, it's Jim! It's my
husband! Oh, oh, oh! There are my
children! That's my baby! That's me!
No, mean it isn't me. I'm somebody
else. Oh, oh, dear! Oh, dear me! OH!
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 I do?" moaned Mrs. Quiv.
erfull. Instead of plump brunette she
beheld slender blonde in morning
robe.
"Jim never would believe it was me il
swore it," she exclaimed, wringing hel
hands. "And she would not give him
up, know. Oh, let her alone for that
Oh, miserable wretch that amp
miserable already" cried a voice thai
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 wish? Aren't you Miss Stickleback
as you wished to be?'
"Did l wish it?" moaned poor Mrs
Quiverfull. "Oh, what an idiot was
when I had lovely baby, and darling
children, and such a dear, dear husband
as my Jim. Now I'm all alone in thu
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! Civ
me back my children! Give me back my
baby!" she screamed.
"Here it is" said somebody. -
"Had nightmare, wifelet? Well,
never! Thought some one had stolea
baby? only took it down stairs so tina
you might sleep bit. I've made the fir
and the coffee. Feel better?'
ooh, I'm at home," sighed Mrs. Quiv
erfull, 'clutching the infant GIVE 20
you safe-Pve got them all. What
happy woman am! Come and kiss me
Jim. Really, have got your
GIVE been thinking, Amelia, that per
haps wasn't much of a husband" sal,
Quiverfull, relieving his feelings at last
''That you were a little tired of me an,
Of getting along on such a small salary
and all. It's not very lively hfe"-
, "Oh, Jim!" said Amelia, "don't sa
that. was cross yesterday, but
wouldn't be anybody else but me 70
anything. Nobody else has such mic
husband and children, and as for ba
, by
"She is a wonder!" said Mr.. Ouive,
full. "She is like your
And from that day to this Mrs. Quiv
; erfull has never envied Miss Sticklebacl
: and, though, to be sure, all that abou
; the fairy was stupid dream, has neve
: uttered any rash wishes aloud.-Mar
Kyle Dallas in Fireside Companion.