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

ror.
Marie scarcely recognized herself
She was no larger than her attendant
her hair hung In Furnished waves
about her waist; her dress was looped
with pearls and coral and tiny sprays
hung in her ears. She was then taken
down an ivory staircase bordered with
gold, door was thrown open and a
footman called out, "The earth-childr'
and Marie found herself in q large
room full Of little people.
Princess Lallena, the eldest Of the
seven little women, advanced to meet
her. Taking her hand she led her to
the further part of the room, where
was a pearl throne thickly studded
with diamonds. On the throne was the
loveliest little creature Marie ever be-
held. Her dress was Of the tint Of the
inner leaves Of blush rose, tiny dia-
mond sparkled on her brow, and n crys-
tai wand tipped with a blood red ruby
was in her mite of a hand. The prin-
cess bowed very low as she stopped be-
fore the throne.
Your gracious majesty" she said,
with an enchanting blush, ''this earth
child was cast out into the bitter night
because she befriended myself and sis
ters. For that kind act we took the lib
erty to bring her here, knowing that
you are the friend of the deserving"
There was a murmur sweet as the
sound Of the fountains song at even
from the multitude of fairies, who said,
with one voice,
"Oh, beautiful Queen Alteen, friend
Of the deserving!"
After the applause had died away
the lovely queen arose, and said in q
voice SO sweet that Marie held her
breath to listen
you did quite right. my dear cous-
ins. Ladies Bee and Butterfly. bring
hither the scarfs woven from rain
bows"
This was great honor, and the
seven sisters looked highly pleased and
murmured grateful thanks as they
donned the scarfs.
"And now" Continued the queen,
bring scarf Of moonbeams as re-
ward to the earth-child for her kind
ness"
There was a shout Of approval from
the fairies at this, and, to Marie's won
der and delight the queen took scarf
that glinted like mconbcams on emer-
aid leaves, and throwing it over her
shoulders, said
"As long as You keep this we will
watch over you. And now. my lords
and ladies. away to the dance"
Folding doors were thrown open. and
Marie saw long table, bending be-
meath the most exquisite flowers and
fruits, with dainty crystal dewdrops
for drink In superbly traced cups. All
was hilarity and mirth. A tiny chime
of bells sounded, and, as il by magic,
the table disappeared. merry music
thrilled the listening air, and lovely
couples whlrled in the dance.
A smart little gentleman fairy in a
violet suit bowed to Marie, and begged
her to dance the next set with him.
Just as they took their places Marie
felt herself shaken violently, and OPEN
ing her eyes she saw her father bend
ing anxiously over her.
"afy little Marie" he exclaimed eag-
erly. Il feared you had gone to your
dear mother. l have good news for
you, dear" kissing her fondly: II have
sworn never to taste another drop of
drink again. Your Uncle Manuel is
going to America, that glorious golden
land. and we will so with him.
Marie threw her arms about his neck,
with glad burst of tears.
II am SO gladr' she cried joyously.
This is better than staying with the
fairies"
And she told her wonderful dream
or adventure-shes scarcely knew which. |
Antoine laughed merrily as he listened. |
He kept his word. and there is not |
happier pair now to be found than An
tone and his little daughter Waverley |