Sunday Washington globe., 1902-05-11
LITTLE MARGERY.

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buried her fearful face in a sofa
cushion.
She was a very foolish little girl,
indeed to cry in this fashion, and all
because her papa and mamma had
gone to Mrs. Halls for Sunday din
ner
Nurse was upstairs looking after
baby Harold, so here was this dismal
little maiden all alone in the big IL
brary spelling one of her mothers
prettiest sofa cushions with her tears.
Il don't care! hate Mrs. Hall!
do | do!"-came from the naughty
little mouth hidden in the pillow.
"Oh, no, you don't" said a tiny
voice, close beside her.
"Ohi" screamed .Margery, bouncing
off the sofa onto the floor.
Goodness gracious, have I scared
your" cried the same little voice.
And looking up, Margery saw
perched on the sofa just the oldest
little man, a regular tiny live doll
He was dressed in gorgeous bright
blue velvet, and at times flashes Of
light seemed to simmer from the
curious cloth Of his suit. On his
head was a wee velvet cap, with
long white plume, and in his belt was
thrust a sword-not half as big as the
finest needle
Margery gazed at him in wonder
well, you're polite" he began.
you haven't even asked me to take eff
my hat ana stay awhile! So much
for bothering with people"
He seemed quite disgusted.
on" mumbled Margery, still too
surprised to speak "Oh you sec
-"
"Yes-yes! OF cOurse-you mean
you don't know me? Well. that's
easily settled. I'm Prince Bluename
son of King Firelight-youve heard
of him of course, and l came from
yOnder kingdom called Hearthland
That is to say, our winter home,
fireplace, is there, but in summer we
go to the land of gloom There in
darkness we impatiently wait until
merry Jack Frost summons us to this
gay country again"
Then you're a really truly fairy"
began Margery, still doubtful as to
whether or not she was seeing and
hearing true things.
"Well, now what question! Can't
you see, little girl, that I'm not
paper doll? I'm telling you the
truth, my dear. Still, since you in
sist on sitting there, very unladylike,
on the floor with your pretty mouth
wide open and your blue eyes as big
as saucers ] may as we'll pull out my
time table and see if ii isn't leaving
time"
He thrust his hands into his pockets
and looked at Margery with a com
zeal squint.
Poor Margery felt quite confused,
and a bit hurt. too. at these unkind
remarks. She got up quickly from
the floor ana sat on the sofa beside
her unusual guest.
There! I knew you'd come to your
senses after a while. And now let
me tell you what I'm here for" said
the little man, jumping upon lar
| gery's knee.
What are you here for?" questioned
Margery.
well, that's what I'm going to tell
you But don't joggla your knee so.
You'll dump me off sure"
Margery sat very still.
That's better" approved the fairy.
Now t1en, you know everyone has
task to do in this world. and it's
my duty to cheer people up. SO when
saw that a little girl named Margery
wasn't IS happy as she ought to be
l said to myself There now, Blue
flame, is your chance So I left the
gay dancing party that was going on
at Fireplace, and here I am, ready to
amuse you, my dear S'pose we play
tag"
OH" gasped Margery, and then
she smiled, for it was so funny to
think Of her playing tag with such
midget. why, we couldn't play tag
Mr.. Bluehame-you'r too little! I'd
walk on you"
Enough" thundered the indig
nant little man, for he thought he was
being laughed at Its too much" he
cried. Miss Margery, you're nothing
but a child! I'm twice your age and
more. I've seen the world. I've even
killed dragons with this very sword
and now to be told by an ordinary lit
tie girl that she is likely to walk on
neigh! and Prince Bluehame
fairly trembled with rage. He raised
his tiny fist and shook it defantly at
Margery, which act caused the little
maiden to go of into peals of laugh
ter
This sudden outburst Of merriment
so startled the little man that he
made double somersault onto the
floor and then hurried just as fast as
his small legs would carry him back
to his home in the Fireplace.
And as he disappeared he gaze a
sigh of satisfaction and a knowing
Sink-for Margery was cheered up.
OF course Margery awakened just
then, for she had fallen asleep on the
sofa. and mamma, who had returned
from the dinner party, was giving
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