The Intermountain Catholic. (Salt Lake City [Utah] ;) 1899-1920, 1908-01-18
A Moon Dream.
(By E. D. NJ


1t was at the close of long, unusually warm
lay in September and little Muriel, tired with
play was glad to finish her prayers and tumble in
to her cool, white bed at an earlier hour than
lr won't 1t the last day of vacation; to-
morrow school began and Muriel dreaded that
time with all the strength of her little heart How
she hated those horrid lessons, and that stuffy
.choolroom! And, worst of all, how she dreaded
q cross teacherl Well, there was long night be-
veen anyway; and with that comforting thought
.he fell asleep, her head resting her hand.
slyery, mist-robed moonbeam stole through
the open window, and, spying the winsome lassie
flooded the little room with soft light that he
might see her better. A charming picture she made
rs she lay asleep her golden curls all tossed about
her face. wid-rose blush betraying the past days
Ditement. But the disconnected curve on the
sweet lips and the frown that puckered the fore
head took away much of the usual charm. Even
sleep that hated school would disturb her
heams; and, oh. how she wished tomorrow would
never GOMEZ Then she seemed to awake and found
he moonbeam looking at her. 'Will you come
With me to a land where there is no schoolr he
aid "Oh gladlyw she cried; and in the same
moment found herself borne gently out of the win
low and into the warm summer night.
Higher and higher they rose, until the great
cities seemed like specks in the distance, and the
stars grew more and more brilliant as they neared
the heavenly spheres. Still on they Sped the
and she closed her eyes tight for dizziness. Star
after star they passed, each more glowingly beau
lul than the last, until opening her eyes, Muriel
found herself in a curious country. Everything
was gray-coored and dull; the houses all
shades of gray and very queerly shaped; and the
people were all gray. too; even her own moonbeam
GUIDE seemed strange and unfamiliar
They passed through little lane in Moon
Vile and found the road thick with gray dust.
Well she cried this seems like home. anyway
4 Ittle gray cottage stood near the road cone
SNAPPED and snug, with a curling wreath of gray
smoke stealing out of the chimney. Her guide
raped at the door; and upon its being opened by
dear little lady he exclaimed ooh, it's so good TO
De home again!" and kissed his wife.
Little girl" he said turning to her. "this IS
my wife, Mrs Moonbeam; and we are going to let
YOU i've with Us, and never go,to school"
Mune capped er hands in delight
Oh. how lov 7 viii be so good! I never
h'usht the moo v. 'Ie this"
Mrs. Moonbeuu - ] at her rapture and led
or indoors to a lie BEDROOM furnished in gray,
"erooklng big. stad orchard
Below She saw numbers of children playing
lll heard no sound II childish laughter. She hur-
iol down 90 meet then, and they came toward her,
smile OF erecting on their lips, but no word nf
oeeone escaped them. A pretty picture she made
= they gathered around her-her dainty white
0oG her laughing eyes, and her soft curs blowing
the Wind
Why don't you make a noise!" she asked. q
INV n1sIs scream when I play games; its lots Of
,l b4t the little ones never spoke word and
. ~ So sad and downcast that Muriel felt she
~ Sald he wrong thing, and tried again.
m 10 You like living here!" she questioned. No
lHa ,gf then Murie was startled. Don't you ever
"a She whispered. Still no reply Then Mu-
N.eIo could stand it no longer and ran in to Mrs.
'OgI9oeam TO tell her about it.
i'd lef KIND mistress drew the small visitor to
% these little girls are the ones who would not
scboe W school when they were bid. On the of
cbI5a.S opening. Mr.. Moonbeam searches out the
If he 81 with traces of tears on their cheeks; and
lereS Ilnd~ that they hate schools he brings them
Onco Ihere even the name of school is silenced.
but tb ey come, they may play all day if they like,
she oa can never speak again, because, you see"
'Ilued with quiet smile, everything we