Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1903-10-17
Ernestine's Fairy Doctor.

Old Mr.. Randall came into the drawing
room looking over his spectacles at his
wife who was arranging her plants. He
wore a lowered dressing gown and was
carrying something very carefully in his
hands
Maria" said he, proudly, this is
what | brought back from the bazaar
last night--a most rare ana beautiful
thing
Mrs. Randall, a little sharp featured
old lady, came to the table where the
precious object was deposited.
That, GEORGE" she said. looking ut
it in disgust; lis that all you houghtf
Why, it's only a cocoanut! and she
turned back 10 her plants
mo, Maria, my dear | do assure you, =
said the old gentleman, lit was sold to
me by native gentleman"
"A native iddlestick," muttered his
wife.
"A native gentleman who declared it
to be an almost unique specimen of the
really, | forget, but think L can look
ii up in the Encyclopedia.
He was trottiug out, when his wife
spoke again.
Its all very well, George; you are
always bringing home some rubbish like
that. Whats the use of the thingf Now
we've got it. what are we to do with ii 2
object before him with somewhat pu2-
zled expression.
We'll my dear" he said at length.
perhaps il wOuld'-a bright idea struck
m-',perhaps it would look nice on the
mantelpiece.
GEORGE" the old ladys tone was With
ering, Il am certainly not going ut my
time of life TO begin ornamenting my
mantelpiece with c0coanutS. If you have
nothing better to suggest let me deal
with it,"
Very well, Maria" said the old gen
tlcman, meckly somehow the curiosity
had suddenly dwindlcd in value, only
you win be careful Of it, won't yout"
'Oh, YES, III be careful. shall put II
on the shelf in the greenhouse; 1t will be
ont Of the way there, and you will know
where it is and with parting toss Of
her head size took up the treasure and
carried it with scant ceremony into tho
conservatory beyond.
Time passed. the late spring gave place
to such a summer as had not been known
for years blazingly hot. High on its
shelf close against the glass, the so.callcd
COcoanut rcposed peacefully, very dusty
and very warm. Soon Mr.. Randall had
almost forgotten its existence and hi1
wife never gave the despised object all
other thought
Indeed. just at this time they had other
things to occupy their minds. Their 0n,y
daughter. who had married and gone
abroad. died, leaving n delicate little git!
about 6 years old The father, unable 10
give her all the attention and care she
needed. made arrangements TO send her
home to her grandparents, who were only
too delighted to have her.
The child was pale, dreamy, quite lit
tie thing; she did not care to play like
other children. but would sit looking VI
picture books or listening to stories by
the hour together.
As the summer advanced ErnestInr
grew more and more listless. She was
always tired, took less and less interest m
anything, even the beloved picture books
failed at last Old Mr.. and Mrs. Randall
were very unhappy, and almost al their
wits ends 10 know what to do. The doc
tor shook his head gravcly. you must
liyPu her M. said he: TRY 10 amu~e her.
then my remedies will be of some use"
and they tried one thing after another
and nothing succeeded.
One hot summer day. when the win
dOws and doors were open. her grand
mother went into Ernestine's room cnr-
rying a new doll in her arms. The little
inyalid's couch was drawn mp close 10
the window to catch any stray breath Of
air. What was the old iady's surprise,
aud delight TO see, instead Of the usual
langnld expression, quite an animated
look on the little pale face.
"Oh. Granny, what do you think? I've
seen a fairy
Mrs. Randall stared for moment in
establishment. then smiled and nodded
her head. The child had evidently been
dreaming.
What was ii like dear!"
on. beautiful little fairy with pretty
yellow wings"
Did il speak 10 youf"
Nc. just woke up and heard n little
huzzing sound. and | thought il was +
bee. and then | saw some yellow wings
huttcring round the room and | thought