The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1906-03-14

9 MI 0 the tavern in the village
NA Many years OF sunshine and
WOt< shadow had passed since
her mother had kissed her and then
mad crossed the dark, silent river to O
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
cry.
Suddenly there was a timid knock at
the door.
"Come in" said Marie.
The door swung slowly open and
seven little women entered.
I'VE 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
she divided the loaf into seven portions
and filled seven tin cups with spark
ling water from spring close by.
Il 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.
I'VE thank you very much" said all
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 1t 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 1t is little better than the
bare ground" she added smiling.
Antoine was in a very I'll humor. He
raved and stormed a long time; finally,
seizing Marie. he thrust her out of
doors. declaring he would kill her If
she dared to enter the house agein.
"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
ly and. releasing his daughter, turned
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. ANONYMOUSLY fed,
shouting for help.
Poor Marie wept bitterly as she fell
to the ground. A light snow was fall
ing, and the wind swept down from the
mountain in wild. fierce gusts. She
heard her fathers cries of terror, and
saw him flee toward the village. closely
pursued by the seven little women. 1t
was not long before they came back
and the eldest rang a crystal bell. 1t
was answered by 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. A
footman in splendid livery opened the
door. and the seven little women ac-
companied by Marie entered and the
carriage rolled away. Stopping before
huge rock. which Marie had often
climbed. the footman blew a shrill
whistle. door swung open and the
carriage passed through long avenue
shaded by by trees covered with flow
ers and fruit. until 1t stopped before
superb palace. from which came the
sound OF music and laughter.
''Her gracious majesty has come"
said several voices as they entered the
palace.
''As the sleeping flowers haste to |
greet the sun at morn, SO we haste to |
greet 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 1t all wasI
Presently tiny lady entered. and
making a queer little bow said:
Princess Lallena bade me dress you,
for the queen desires to see you"
THE queeny' replied Marie.
YES" was the reply. "the queen of
the fairies"
''0h. how glad shall be to see her."
her eyes sparkling with pleasure; then
added humbly. Il am only little Marie
Mania and l fear she will not be
pleased"
"Ah!' was the kind reply, 'her mai
esty is very kind and loves good chill
dren. Princess Lallena and her sisters
have told how kind you were to them.
and how you took care Of a sparrow
that wicked boy wounded and left
for dead and many other things also"
ut 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 end soft ms the
summer clouds.
"Iou must be like the fairies while