The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1903-09-23

AoE, ARIE sat drearily waiting
u D for her father to come from
6 MI G the tavern in the village.
4 AVA Manyyears of sunshine and
= ~o< shadow had passed since
her mother had kissed her and then
had crossed the dark. silent river to a
land of brightness. JOY and peace.
Marie was almost in despair. for
there was only q small. black loaf in
the cupboard, and she was often beat
en- when Antoine her father. was an
gry.
Suddenly there was timid knock at
the door.
:. "Come in," said Marie.
' The door swung slowly open ard
seven little women entered.
1--WE are cold and hungry said the
eldest. "as we have come long dis
tance; we are very tired and would
like to stay all night"
you are very welcome" replied Ma
rie, after a moments hesitation, as She
piled more fagots on the fire. Then
she divided the loaf into seven portions
and filed seven tin cups with spark
ling water from spring close by.
IT am sorry there is no more bread"
she said pleasantly, but you are well
come to this"
In few moments the bread had dis
appeared.
"We thank you very much said ali
the little women in chorus as they
gathered around the fire. And If we
ever have the chance we will do as
much for you
"You are very kind" replied Marie.
They all fell to talking. and it was
not long before Marie told her story,
which was dreary enough.
my father does not like strangers,
she said hastily, as the loud laughing
and shouting of Antoine and his boon
companions were borne on the air,
''and you must be very quiet while he
is in the house. My bed is poor and
small, but it is little better than the
bare ground" she added smiling.
Antoine was in q very i'll humor. He
raved and stormed long time; finally.
Selling Marie, he thrust her out CT
doors, declaring he would kill her il
she dared to enter the house again.
"Others can play at that game" eX-
claimed several fine voices, and fast
and furious fell the blows Of the seven
little women. Antoine growled savage
T1Iy and, releasing his daughter, turned
J to his small antagonists, dealing heavy
blows, but they were without avail.
Crying out in rage and terror Antoine,
seeing that his efforts to conquer his
foes were in vain, ignominiously fed,
shouting for help.
Poor Marie wept bitterly as she fel!
to the ground. A light snow was fall
ing, and the wind swept down from the
mountain iC wild, fierce gusts. She
= heard her fathers cries Of terror. and
saw him fee toward the village. closely
pursued by the seven little women. 1T
was not long before they came back
and the eldest rang crystal bell. 1t
was answered by a multitude Of bells,
Ginning through valley, wood and
plain, until the air was filed with mu-
sic. A beautiful little coach drawn by
seven milk white horses appeared. \
footman in splendid livery opened the
door, and the seven little women ac-
companied by Marie entered and the
carriage rolled away. Stopping before
q huge rock, which Marie had often
climbed, the footman blew a shTill
whistle, a door swung open and the
carriage passed through a long avenue
shaded by by trees covered with flow
ers and fruit, until it stopped before a
superb palace, from which came the
sound of music and laughter.
Her gracious majesty has come, v
said several voices as they entered the
palace.
LAS the sleeping flowers haste to
greet the sun at morn. so we haste tc
Dgreet her highness, our loved cousin,
replied the little women.
Marie was conducted to a chamber
hung with blue and silver tapestry
The furniture was of ivory, covered
with blue velvet wrought with pearls
Oh. how beautiful it all was.
Presently a tiny lady entered. and
making a queer little bow said:
princess Lallena bade me dress you
for the queen desires to see you"
1.-The queen:' replied Marie.
"Yes." was the reply, the queen OF
the fairies
"Oh, how glad shall be to see hor.
her eyes sparkling with pleasure: ther
added humbly, Il am only little Marie
Manta and l fear she will not bt
pleased"
.'Ahw was the kind reply, ''hcr maj
A.esty is very kind and owes good chill
dren. Princess Lallena and her sister:
have told how kind you were to them
and how you took care Of sparrow
that a wicked boy wounded and lcf
for dead and many other things also"
~ 1T was nothing" blushed Marie.
While they were talking the fair!
had combed tho young girls hair. re
moved her ragged clothes and dressed
her in q robe white and soft as tht
summer clouds.
You must be like the fairies while
!. here" she said, as she led her to mir
ror.
Marie scarcely recognized herself
She was no larger than her attendant
her hair hung in FURNISHED wave
about her waist; her dress was loope'
with pearls and coral and tiny spray
hung in her ears. She was then takel