The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-09-29
By NARY S Q N.

the pet nigh dead one and planted II in
~"'lher ped, where it bloomed richly all
summer How was he. an ordinary mortal
- MO" that the pansy king had not liked
me ways and manners of one If the new
arrivals and had requested him to leave
the court! This was the reason that only
the strongest. proudes ones were left.
All day long the royal party raised their
races 20 the sun. and grew and bloomed
IKE other pansies, but at night. when all
was quiet. a little fairy sprang from the
heart or each flower, dressed in velvets of
the colors he had worn all day. and then
the life and fun of the court began. But
at the first streak of dawn every little fairy
ran to his home to hide safely through the
day.
FOR many days the Pansy Courtiers had
peen turning longing eyes toward the dam
" princess, but it was not until one bright
moonlight night that the herald announced
that all suitors for the hand of the nrincess
were to come together just before the dawn.
According TO the ancient custom three
tasks would be imposed, the performer of
all three receiving the hand and riches of
the princess as reward.
All the rest of the night the Courtiers
talked eagerly among themselves about the
, great event. The princess and her maids
had retired behind a huge shrub and only a
whisper or soft laughter now and then told
that there was excitement among them
too.
II the tasks are trials of strength. 7
think I can win" said one prince. as he
complaeently looked at his reflection in a
chance puddle. His costume of black and
gold set off his tail figure. but his dark
eyes showed that he knew it well. He was
rich and handsome. and had won many
prizes when the fairies held their contests
But he hoasted and had not many friends.
On the edge of the company. all by him.
self. sat one little fairy: not = nr;rco no,
even holding "A position in the court. Vet
the King had granted him a place among
them. His only possessions were the few
inches of earth where his roots had taken
firm hold. a nimble brain and willing hands
which were always eager to help the KING
and little princess in any way. His ouiet
suit OF tan and brown made him different
from the other pansies. and often the ewes
OIL the princess would turn from the gor-
geous purple crimsons. yellows and even
from her own dazzling Wilderness, To the
sturdy figure at the edge of the pansv bed.
lie sat there now, very quiet, but hardly
able TO wait until the herald should cal
them together. For he meant to FRY 70
win the princess. although he was afraid
ne could not, as he looked at the crowd Of
courtiers waiting.
NJ last the moment came, and one by one
the fairies knelt before the king. as he told
them what their task should be. MANY az
them came away with a smile on their
races, for the tasks sounded so easv thai
each one was sure he would accomulisb
them all.
How foolish" said the black and enid
prince to his neighbor as thew walked bacL
to their homes i'm readiness for the da vn
The princess does not like the scent of
the maTigolds over there and she wants it
removed in some way, does she? Well.
what Is easier than for all Of Us to 90 ia