The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1903-09-23

1of shadow had passed since
her mother had kissed her and then
had crossed the dark, silent river to q
land Of brightness, Joy and peace.
Marie was almost in despair. for
there was only a small, black loaf in
the cupboard. and she was often beat
en- when Antoine, her father was an
sry.
Suddenly there was n tlmid knock at
the door.
"Come in" said Marie.
The door swung slowly open and
seven little women entered.
1--WE are cold and hungry" said the
eldest, "as we have come Il long dis
lance; we are >ery tired and would
like 10 stay all night"
You are very welcome" replied Ma
rle, after moments hesitation. as she
piled mora fagots on the fire. Then
she divided the loaf into seven portions
ard filed seven tin cups with spark
ling water from spring close by.
II am sorry there Is no more bread"
she said pleasantly, but you are well
come to this"
lii few moments the bread had dis
appeared.
1--WE thank you very much" said all
the little women in chorus rs they
gathered around the fire. And il we
ever have the chance we will do as
much fol 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 very i'll humor. He
Taved and stormed long time finally,
seizing Marie, he thrust her out of
doors, declaring lie would kill her if
she dared to enter the house again.
"Otbers can play at that game" eX-
claimed several fine voices, and fast
ond furious fell the blows Of the seven
little women. Antoine growled savage
- ana, ltA'uHluI llS tuiSiltl. lul uNN
to his small antagonists, dealing heavy
blows, but they We're without avail.
Crying out in rage and terror Antoine,
seeing thnt his efforts to conquer his
foes were III vain, ignOLiniously fed,
shouting for help
Poor Marie wept bitterly rs she fell
TO the ground. \ light snow was fall
ing. and the wind sw ept down from the
mountain in wild, fierce gusts. She
heard her fathers cries of terror. and
saw him fee toward the village, closely
pursued by tn, seven little women. II
was not long before they came back
ard the eldest rang n crystal bell. 1t
was answered by multitude of bells,
chimin; through valley, wood and
plain, until the air was filed with mu-
sic. \ beautiful little coach drawn By
seven milk white horses appeared. y
footman in splendid livery opened the
door. and the seven little women ac-
conpanied by Marie entered ard the
carrlGge rolled away. Stopping before
huge rock. which Marie had often
climbed. the footman blew shrlll
whistle, 4 door swung open and the
carriage passed through a long avenue
shaded by By trees covered with iiow-
ers and fruit, until it stopped before Il
superb palace, from which came the
sound Of music and laughter.
Her gracious majesty las come"
said several voices as thcy entered the
palace.
''As the sleeping flowers haste to
ltn 70
greet her highness, our loved cousin"
replied the little women.
Marie was conducted to chamber
hung with blue and silver tapestry.
The furniture was of ivory, covered
with blue velvet v'rought with pearls
oh. how beautifu. 4 all was.
Presently a tiny lady entered. and
making queer little bow said:
Princess Lallena bade me dress you
for the queen desires to see YOU"
'"Thc quecnf' replied Marie.
-'Yes." was the reply. "thc queen OF
the fairies"
"Oh, how glad shall be 10 see her."
her eyes sparkling with pleasure: then
added humbly. Il am only little Marie
Manta and | fear she viii not be
pleased"
"Ah"' was the kind reply, her mai.
esty is very kind and loves good chill
dren. Princess I.alleaa and her sisters
have told how kind you We're to them
ana how you took care OF sparrow
that wicked boy wounded and lefi
for dead and many other things also"
'lt was nothing" blushed Marie.
While they were talking the fairy
had combed the young girls hair. re
moved her ragged clothes and dressed
her In robe white ana soft as the
summer clouds.
You must be like the fairies while
here" she said. as she led her TO a mir
ror.
Mnrie scarcely recognized herself
She was no larger than her attendant
her hair hung In FURNISHED wavcl
about her waist: her dress was loope,
with pearls and coral and tiny sprays
hung in her ears. She was then takeI
down an ivory staircase bordered with
gold. door was thrown open and .
footman called out, ''The earth-child.'
and Marie found herself In a larg,
room full Of little people.
Princess Lallena. the eldest OF tn,
seven little women. advanced T. NEE
~ II. a 4.